T.F. library could have funds slashed
BY KENNETH WALTER Staff Writer
The Tinton Falls Public Library is one of many municipal libraries statewide that may lose as much as half of their municipal funding if a proposed bill becomes law.
Assembly bill A-3753 was introduced on Feb. 9 by Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D-32nd District).
With a recession looming, Tinton Falls Library Director Rosemary Tunnicliffe sees the library as a resource that people need now more than ever.
"We have more people coming in since the economy went bad," Tunnicliffe said. "We have more people using the Internet here than ever before."
The current state funding formula mandates that each town spend at least "onethird of a mil" on their municipal library.
A mil is equal to one-thousandth of the town's total assessed property value. While towns are able to go over one-third of a mil to fund their libraries, one-third of a mil is the bare minimum. The proposed bill would drop the minimum to one-sixth of a mil.
The Tinton Falls library currently receives $125,000 a year in municipal funding, but Tunnicliffe is unsure about the future.
"The borough approved our budget for 2009; we don't know what will happen for 2010," Tunnicliffe said.
The New Jersey Library Association argues that if the proposed bill were adopted into law, it "would lead to largescale cutbacks in library services in … communities at a time when library usage is growing and is needed more than ever," according to a press release issued by the New Jersey Library Association.
The release states that libraries that do not suffer funding cuts may have to make up for services lost at other libraries that have their funding cut.
"Libraries funded above the minimum funding level would see their own services stretched as New Jersey residents seek out neighboring libraries to provide needed services which their local libraries could no longer offer," the release states.
While the proposed bill would cut library funding in towns like Tinton Falls, NJLA Executive Director Pat Tumulty does not see it moving forward anytime soon.
"At this point, [Prieto] is talking to us, and we don't perceive [the bill] going forward in the immediate future," Tumulty said.
State officials passed a law in 2007 that required municipalities to fund their libraries based on their municipal tax levy cap, Tumulty said.
"The cap law was passed in 2007, and that is why there has been so much confusion about this, because under previous cap laws, [libraries] were exempted, but under this law, [libraries] are added, and that's what makes it very difficult," Tumulty said.
"Our feeling is [libraries] should be exempt from the levy or given their own tax," she added.
Tunnicliffe also expressed the need for a new library in Tinton Falls, especially with the increased popularity of the branch in recent months.
"The Tinton Falls library has been around for 48 years, and we've been in this building for over 30 years," Tunnicliffe said. "We are celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2011, and we hoped that we would have a new building by then, but it doesn't look like we will."
Contact Ken Walter at kwalter@gmnews.com.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Area homeless count set
Area homeless count set
Sunday, December 14, 2008
By Kenneth W. Walter
tsnews@sjnewsco.com
As the temperature drops, the homeless of Salem County have very little resources to keep warm.
That is why gifts such as gloves, hats and socks are being used as incentives for the homeless to take part in a statewide count on Jan. 28.
There are at least 70 people without shelter and another 300 who are living in motel rooms and cars in Salem County, according to Ray Bolden, executive director of the Inter Agency Council, which is spearheading the count here.
The survey, known as the Point-in-Time Count, will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Market Street in Salem and at The Lighthouse Cafe in Penns Grove.
Last year, two street teams were assembled to help try to count some of the homeless that couldn't make it out to the locations, but this year there is hope to add a third team.
Kathy Lockbaum, chair of the Salem County Board of Social Services, sees this as an opportunity to help a lot of people in need, especially because of the recent economic downturn.
"The number of people coming into the welfare department has risen tremendously in recent times," Lockbaum said. "We have had lines coming out the door. I've been here 18 years and this is like nothing I've ever seen before."
An accurate count of the homeless is extremely important because the count in large part determines the amount of federal and state funding that goes to the county.
Donations are largely the incentive for the homeless to come out and participate in the count.
The suggested donations include blankets, non-perishable foods, hygiene items, drinks, and winter clothes, such as hats, socks, and gloves.
Some may believe that a poor economy could force less donations, but Lockbaum doesn't see it that way.
"We are in the planning and advertising stages of all of this," Lockbaum said. "We don't start collecting from everyone until January, but we don't have any reason to believe there wouldn't be a good turnout of donations."
Groups like the IAC and the Board of Social Services enlist different groups and organizations to do the collecting....
Sunday, December 14, 2008
By Kenneth W. Walter
tsnews@sjnewsco.com
As the temperature drops, the homeless of Salem County have very little resources to keep warm.
That is why gifts such as gloves, hats and socks are being used as incentives for the homeless to take part in a statewide count on Jan. 28.
There are at least 70 people without shelter and another 300 who are living in motel rooms and cars in Salem County, according to Ray Bolden, executive director of the Inter Agency Council, which is spearheading the count here.
The survey, known as the Point-in-Time Count, will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Market Street in Salem and at The Lighthouse Cafe in Penns Grove.
Last year, two street teams were assembled to help try to count some of the homeless that couldn't make it out to the locations, but this year there is hope to add a third team.
Kathy Lockbaum, chair of the Salem County Board of Social Services, sees this as an opportunity to help a lot of people in need, especially because of the recent economic downturn.
"The number of people coming into the welfare department has risen tremendously in recent times," Lockbaum said. "We have had lines coming out the door. I've been here 18 years and this is like nothing I've ever seen before."
An accurate count of the homeless is extremely important because the count in large part determines the amount of federal and state funding that goes to the county.
Donations are largely the incentive for the homeless to come out and participate in the count.
The suggested donations include blankets, non-perishable foods, hygiene items, drinks, and winter clothes, such as hats, socks, and gloves.
Some may believe that a poor economy could force less donations, but Lockbaum doesn't see it that way.
"We are in the planning and advertising stages of all of this," Lockbaum said. "We don't start collecting from everyone until January, but we don't have any reason to believe there wouldn't be a good turnout of donations."
Groups like the IAC and the Board of Social Services enlist different groups and organizations to do the collecting....
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Ebenezer Baptist Interviews
The people of Hartranft have spoken and picked Barack Obama as their future leader.
The community located in the lower North section of Philadelphia recently held Bible study and community meeting on April 9th at the Ebenezer Baptist Church. The church, located on the corner of 10th and Dauphin Street, gave the people in the community a forum to speak up.
Especially when someone other people often forget they even exist.
The people overwhelmingly support Obama in the Democratic nomination and ultimately the presidency.
“I just think he generates more hope,” John L. Payne said. Payne is the reverend at the church. “Not only for the younger generation, but also for the older generation which I’m part of.”
Hillary Clinton is Obama’s main competition for the Democratic nomination.
While most people within the community did not consider Clinton much, Payne said that he was going back and fourth between the two.
“Well, it was kind of a tough choice because I like Barack Obama and I like Hillary Clinton,” Payne said. “But I think I’m leaning more towards Barack Obama.”
A factor that is being closely looked at with public perception is how the media is treating the candidates. There has been a lot of commentary in recent weeks that the media is much more malicious towards Clinton.
Payne doesn’t feel the same way, especially with the issue of the statements Obama’s former pastor has recently made condemning America.
“Looking at all the hoopla that the media portrayed over the statement that Reverend Wright made,” Payne said. “They really took it out of context. But they used it for their advantage. So you can really say that he was treated unfairly.”
While Payne is open to a Clinton presidency, his congregation is less open for that.
“I’m going to vote for Obama,” Jacqueline Green said. Green is a member of both the community and the church. “I think he will bring to this country what we need which is change. I have heard him say on many occasions that it is coming from the bottom up which I think we need to do rather then top down.”
Green was not alone in her praise for Obama. Tierra Williams, planning to vote in her first presidential election, also has high praise for Obama.
“For me it is more about the fact that I also looked up to Martin Luther King and it seems like Barrack Obama is almost like a modern day version of Martin Luther King,” Williams. “Every time I see a speech from Barrack Obama it’s inspiring.”
Clinton has been projected to win Philadelphia and Pennsylvania in all the opinion polls, especially since Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Pennsylvania Ed Rendell both support Clinton. Obama is quickly closing the gap to make Pennsylvania a crucial race to get the nomination.
A Philadelphia Democratic Ward leader, who would only go by the name “Miss L.” is planning on supporting Obama any way she could in Philadelphia.
“I think Obama understands the plight that the inner-city must go through,” Miss L. said. “The presidency is not about color. This is really exciting because he has the opportunity to rewrite history.”
Miss L. also went on to say that she plans on going around the community with a car and a bullhorn to promote Obama.
While the people of Ebenezer Baptist Church have spoken in favor of Obama, it still remains to be seen what the people of the rest of the country will ultimately decide. Whether it is Obama or Clinton, both candidates have a chance to be historic firsts and make crucial domestic changes.
The community located in the lower North section of Philadelphia recently held Bible study and community meeting on April 9th at the Ebenezer Baptist Church. The church, located on the corner of 10th and Dauphin Street, gave the people in the community a forum to speak up.
Especially when someone other people often forget they even exist.
The people overwhelmingly support Obama in the Democratic nomination and ultimately the presidency.
“I just think he generates more hope,” John L. Payne said. Payne is the reverend at the church. “Not only for the younger generation, but also for the older generation which I’m part of.”
Hillary Clinton is Obama’s main competition for the Democratic nomination.
While most people within the community did not consider Clinton much, Payne said that he was going back and fourth between the two.
“Well, it was kind of a tough choice because I like Barack Obama and I like Hillary Clinton,” Payne said. “But I think I’m leaning more towards Barack Obama.”
A factor that is being closely looked at with public perception is how the media is treating the candidates. There has been a lot of commentary in recent weeks that the media is much more malicious towards Clinton.
Payne doesn’t feel the same way, especially with the issue of the statements Obama’s former pastor has recently made condemning America.
“Looking at all the hoopla that the media portrayed over the statement that Reverend Wright made,” Payne said. “They really took it out of context. But they used it for their advantage. So you can really say that he was treated unfairly.”
While Payne is open to a Clinton presidency, his congregation is less open for that.
“I’m going to vote for Obama,” Jacqueline Green said. Green is a member of both the community and the church. “I think he will bring to this country what we need which is change. I have heard him say on many occasions that it is coming from the bottom up which I think we need to do rather then top down.”
Green was not alone in her praise for Obama. Tierra Williams, planning to vote in her first presidential election, also has high praise for Obama.
“For me it is more about the fact that I also looked up to Martin Luther King and it seems like Barrack Obama is almost like a modern day version of Martin Luther King,” Williams. “Every time I see a speech from Barrack Obama it’s inspiring.”
Clinton has been projected to win Philadelphia and Pennsylvania in all the opinion polls, especially since Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Pennsylvania Ed Rendell both support Clinton. Obama is quickly closing the gap to make Pennsylvania a crucial race to get the nomination.
A Philadelphia Democratic Ward leader, who would only go by the name “Miss L.” is planning on supporting Obama any way she could in Philadelphia.
“I think Obama understands the plight that the inner-city must go through,” Miss L. said. “The presidency is not about color. This is really exciting because he has the opportunity to rewrite history.”
Miss L. also went on to say that she plans on going around the community with a car and a bullhorn to promote Obama.
While the people of Ebenezer Baptist Church have spoken in favor of Obama, it still remains to be seen what the people of the rest of the country will ultimately decide. Whether it is Obama or Clinton, both candidates have a chance to be historic firsts and make crucial domestic changes.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Temple feels like home to Whittingham
Temple feels like home to Whittingham
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Several college football programs thought about taking a shot at 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive tackle Jeffrey Whittingham from Atlantic City High School.
They appear to be out of luck. Whittingham verbally accepted a scholarship offer from Temple head coach Al Golden last month.
Whittingham pulled the trigger on the Owls, passing up a possible chance to play in the Big East.
"Cincinnati was probably going to offer if I came to visit," Whittingham said in an interview with OwlScoop.com. "I just felt at home at Temple. Philadelphia is close to home for me. It's a comfortable feeling being there."
Maryland and Syracuse also showed some interest in Whittingham, one of seven Temple verbals so far from the 2009 class. He became the first defensive tackle to commit to the Owls and was later joined at that position by the 6-4, 325-pound Levi Brown out of Bethlehem's Liberty High School.
While he is accustomed to playing defensive tackle, Whittingham has played offensive tackle in high school. Chances are he'll stay on defense in college.
Now that Whittingham has committed to accepting Golden's scholarship offer, he's looking ahead to his senior season at Atlantic City and, beyond that, working on what will ultimately help him see the field as a freshman with the Owls.
"I'm pretty strong right now, but I still think I need to get stronger before college," Whittingham said. "I need to work on everything - my speed, explosion and my footwork."
Whittingham has visited Temple's campus twice. The first time was June 14 during Temple's Junior Day. Almost two weeks later, he came to North Broad Street again and committed shortly thereafter.
Whittingham said Golden was able to strike up a solid relationship with him and his family.
"He's a nice, laid-back coach," Whittingham said. "He knows the game really well. He was real down-to-earth and honest with me and my parents."
Golden's demeanor aside, Whittingham also wanted to go to a program where he could win and be successful.
"Look how he rebuilt the program," Whittingham said. "He's done a great job. He's building a great program, and I want to be a part of it."
Whittingham also went head-to-head in the South Jersey Group IV state playoffs last season with fellow 2009 Temple verbal commitment Evan Regas when the Vikings played Regas' favored Toms River North squad. Atlantic City kept it close but fell, 9-7.
"I don't even know if he will remember me," Whittingham said. "We came in as the underdogs, and we played really well against them."
There's always this season. And if Whittingham and Regas don't meet on the football field this fall, they stand to be reunited on the gridiron shortly thereafter.
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Several college football programs thought about taking a shot at 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive tackle Jeffrey Whittingham from Atlantic City High School.
They appear to be out of luck. Whittingham verbally accepted a scholarship offer from Temple head coach Al Golden last month.
Whittingham pulled the trigger on the Owls, passing up a possible chance to play in the Big East.
"Cincinnati was probably going to offer if I came to visit," Whittingham said in an interview with OwlScoop.com. "I just felt at home at Temple. Philadelphia is close to home for me. It's a comfortable feeling being there."
Maryland and Syracuse also showed some interest in Whittingham, one of seven Temple verbals so far from the 2009 class. He became the first defensive tackle to commit to the Owls and was later joined at that position by the 6-4, 325-pound Levi Brown out of Bethlehem's Liberty High School.
While he is accustomed to playing defensive tackle, Whittingham has played offensive tackle in high school. Chances are he'll stay on defense in college.
Now that Whittingham has committed to accepting Golden's scholarship offer, he's looking ahead to his senior season at Atlantic City and, beyond that, working on what will ultimately help him see the field as a freshman with the Owls.
"I'm pretty strong right now, but I still think I need to get stronger before college," Whittingham said. "I need to work on everything - my speed, explosion and my footwork."
Whittingham has visited Temple's campus twice. The first time was June 14 during Temple's Junior Day. Almost two weeks later, he came to North Broad Street again and committed shortly thereafter.
Whittingham said Golden was able to strike up a solid relationship with him and his family.
"He's a nice, laid-back coach," Whittingham said. "He knows the game really well. He was real down-to-earth and honest with me and my parents."
Golden's demeanor aside, Whittingham also wanted to go to a program where he could win and be successful.
"Look how he rebuilt the program," Whittingham said. "He's done a great job. He's building a great program, and I want to be a part of it."
Whittingham also went head-to-head in the South Jersey Group IV state playoffs last season with fellow 2009 Temple verbal commitment Evan Regas when the Vikings played Regas' favored Toms River North squad. Atlantic City kept it close but fell, 9-7.
"I don't even know if he will remember me," Whittingham said. "We came in as the underdogs, and we played really well against them."
There's always this season. And if Whittingham and Regas don't meet on the football field this fall, they stand to be reunited on the gridiron shortly thereafter.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Regas excited to play in the MAC
July 7, 2008
Regas excited to play in the MAC
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
It's been said before, but good football teams – and programs - are often built from the trenches out.
With that in mind, perhaps Temple has locked up a key cog for its future with the recent commitment of Toms River North offensive lineman Evan Regas.
Regas is a 6-foot-4, 336-pound tackle in high school, but he's more likely to play guard in college. projects more as a guard in college. As a guard, Regas must obviously be concerned with adding size and strength if he wants to block the bigger defensive linemen during his senior season and in college, so he is spending a good portion of the off-season working on his lower body.
Regas garnered interest from programs like Rutgers and Syracuse before he pulled the trigger on Temple, but he had no qualms about passing up a possible chance to play in the Big East. The Mid-American Conference, Regas said, is nothing to sneeze at.
"It's an up and coming league," Regas told OwlScoop.com. "The MAC conference is good. Look at Central Michigan. They are a MAC school, and they will be in the top 25."
And having grown up in a suburban area, Regas is looking forward to attending college in the city.
"Philadelphia is going to be great," Regas said. "If I do have any free time, I will always have something to do in the city. I liked Temple's campus because it is not too huge, but it still is a real campus. I've been to the campus three or four times so far, and I'm happy I made this decision."
Temple has come a long way under the direction of third-year head coach Al Golden over the past two seasons. From a 1-11 campaign in 2006 to a 4-8 season in 2007, the Owls have built up some momentum.
With a young defense that was ranked No. 1 overall in the MAC last season and an offense that has added some potential playmakers, Temple is on the cusp of competing for a MAC championship and a possible bowl game.
Regas has obviously taken notice.
"Temple is a program that is getting better and better," he said. "It's nowhere near what it was a few years ago. It's exciting to come in and have a chance to win."
Another strong factor Temple has going for it is the personality of its head coach. Golden seems to be striking a chord with prospective recruits with his straightforward personality.
"He seems like a great guy," Regas said. "My parents really like him. He was honest with us, which is important."
Regas excited to play in the MAC
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
It's been said before, but good football teams – and programs - are often built from the trenches out.
With that in mind, perhaps Temple has locked up a key cog for its future with the recent commitment of Toms River North offensive lineman Evan Regas.
Regas is a 6-foot-4, 336-pound tackle in high school, but he's more likely to play guard in college. projects more as a guard in college. As a guard, Regas must obviously be concerned with adding size and strength if he wants to block the bigger defensive linemen during his senior season and in college, so he is spending a good portion of the off-season working on his lower body.
Regas garnered interest from programs like Rutgers and Syracuse before he pulled the trigger on Temple, but he had no qualms about passing up a possible chance to play in the Big East. The Mid-American Conference, Regas said, is nothing to sneeze at.
"It's an up and coming league," Regas told OwlScoop.com. "The MAC conference is good. Look at Central Michigan. They are a MAC school, and they will be in the top 25."
And having grown up in a suburban area, Regas is looking forward to attending college in the city.
"Philadelphia is going to be great," Regas said. "If I do have any free time, I will always have something to do in the city. I liked Temple's campus because it is not too huge, but it still is a real campus. I've been to the campus three or four times so far, and I'm happy I made this decision."
Temple has come a long way under the direction of third-year head coach Al Golden over the past two seasons. From a 1-11 campaign in 2006 to a 4-8 season in 2007, the Owls have built up some momentum.
With a young defense that was ranked No. 1 overall in the MAC last season and an offense that has added some potential playmakers, Temple is on the cusp of competing for a MAC championship and a possible bowl game.
Regas has obviously taken notice.
"Temple is a program that is getting better and better," he said. "It's nowhere near what it was a few years ago. It's exciting to come in and have a chance to win."
Another strong factor Temple has going for it is the personality of its head coach. Golden seems to be striking a chord with prospective recruits with his straightforward personality.
"He seems like a great guy," Regas said. "My parents really like him. He was honest with us, which is important."
Monday, January 19, 2009
Brown a big addition to Owls' future
July 6, 2008
Brown a big addition to Owls' future
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Temple head coach Al Golden quite literally added a big piece to the future of his defensive line with the recent verbal commitment of 6-foot-3, 325-pound defensive tackle Levi Brown.
Brown, who plays at Bethlehem's Liberty High School, had garnered interest from programs like West Virginia, Syracuse, Connecticut and Michigan State.
In the end, Brown felt Temple was the best choice.
"I feel like Temple is a good fit for me," Brown told OwlScoop.com. "It's close to home, and I feel comfortable there. They are definitely a program on the rise, and I want to be a part of that."
After Brown attended Temple's Junior Day June 14, he canceled visits to West Virginia and Syracuse when he decided he wanted to play for the Owls.
"The only thing I really remember is that it was hot," Brown said of his Junior Day visit. "It was really hot, but the campus was a lot nicer than I expected."
Brown also will have a friendly face to look forward to when he arrives at Temple. Brown's high school teammate, running back Ahkeem Smith, signed with the Owls as part of head coach Al Golden's 2008 recruiting class.
"Ahkeem being there will help me," Brown said. "It's going to be nice going to college and having a close friend there I could talk to."
With Brown's body being as big as it already is, he does not fall into the category of other young players who have to grow into their position. Rather, Brown already has the body to play on a college defensive line.
The key now is to get it fine tuned for the next level.
"I think I can come in and make an impact right away as a freshman," Brown said. "I'd like to get faster, but I'm bigger than basically every lineman that lines up against me (in high school) and I look to take advantage of that on every play."
Brown picked Temple over some very prestigious programs because he believes that with Golden, Temple is onto something big. The Owls already boast the top overall defense in the Mid-American Conference.
"I just want to win," Brown said. "I like what Golden is about. He wants to win just like me. Temple's defense looked good last year and will continue to get better. I'm definitely going to be put into a good situation."
Brown a big addition to Owls' future
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Temple head coach Al Golden quite literally added a big piece to the future of his defensive line with the recent verbal commitment of 6-foot-3, 325-pound defensive tackle Levi Brown.
Brown, who plays at Bethlehem's Liberty High School, had garnered interest from programs like West Virginia, Syracuse, Connecticut and Michigan State.
In the end, Brown felt Temple was the best choice.
"I feel like Temple is a good fit for me," Brown told OwlScoop.com. "It's close to home, and I feel comfortable there. They are definitely a program on the rise, and I want to be a part of that."
After Brown attended Temple's Junior Day June 14, he canceled visits to West Virginia and Syracuse when he decided he wanted to play for the Owls.
"The only thing I really remember is that it was hot," Brown said of his Junior Day visit. "It was really hot, but the campus was a lot nicer than I expected."
Brown also will have a friendly face to look forward to when he arrives at Temple. Brown's high school teammate, running back Ahkeem Smith, signed with the Owls as part of head coach Al Golden's 2008 recruiting class.
"Ahkeem being there will help me," Brown said. "It's going to be nice going to college and having a close friend there I could talk to."
With Brown's body being as big as it already is, he does not fall into the category of other young players who have to grow into their position. Rather, Brown already has the body to play on a college defensive line.
The key now is to get it fine tuned for the next level.
"I think I can come in and make an impact right away as a freshman," Brown said. "I'd like to get faster, but I'm bigger than basically every lineman that lines up against me (in high school) and I look to take advantage of that on every play."
Brown picked Temple over some very prestigious programs because he believes that with Golden, Temple is onto something big. The Owls already boast the top overall defense in the Mid-American Conference.
"I just want to win," Brown said. "I like what Golden is about. He wants to win just like me. Temple's defense looked good last year and will continue to get better. I'm definitely going to be put into a good situation."
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Owls recruiting North Jersey tackle
June 15, 2008
Owls recruiting North Jersey tackle
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Temple is hoping to pluck New Jersey offensive lineman Sean Pearson away from many of its former Big East rivals.
Pearson, a 6-foot-5 inch, 300-pound tackle from St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City, NJ, is also being courted by Rutgers, Syracuse, Connecticut, Pittsburgh Penn State, West Virginia, Maryland and Hofstra.
The mammoth tackle helped lead the Panthers to an 11-1 record last season.
"We all had a desire to win and help the team," Pearson said in an interview with OwlScoop.com. "What made us so successful was that we put the team first for everything we do."
While he had a successful junior season, Pearson knows he must get better in order to really make an impact at the next level.
"I am far from a perfect player," Pearson said. "There is always work be done and improvements to be made. I want to get faster and work on my quickness. I feel I need to shed some weight. I weighed myself today and I was just over 300. I want to get down to 280."
Pearson has yet to receive an offer from Temple, but he was impressed with what he saw when he took his visit in late May. He is also leaning toward majoring in business and is very interested in Temple's Fox School of Business.
And in areas pertaining to football, Pearson also liked what he saw of Temple's coaches.
"I am impressed with what Al Golden has done there," Pearson said. "When I visited, he had no voice so I didn't get a chance to talk to him much, but I can tell he's a great coach."
Pearson has played mostly at offensive tackle throughout high school, but has also seen a few snaps at guard.
"They tell me that I may be a guard in college," Pearson said. "I'm barely 6-foot-5, so moving me to guard makes sense. Our other tackle last year is an even bigger prospect than me, and he is going to move to guard this season. I'm going to stay at tackle for now and just try to get better."
Owls recruiting North Jersey tackle
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Temple is hoping to pluck New Jersey offensive lineman Sean Pearson away from many of its former Big East rivals.
Pearson, a 6-foot-5 inch, 300-pound tackle from St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City, NJ, is also being courted by Rutgers, Syracuse, Connecticut, Pittsburgh Penn State, West Virginia, Maryland and Hofstra.
The mammoth tackle helped lead the Panthers to an 11-1 record last season.
"We all had a desire to win and help the team," Pearson said in an interview with OwlScoop.com. "What made us so successful was that we put the team first for everything we do."
While he had a successful junior season, Pearson knows he must get better in order to really make an impact at the next level.
"I am far from a perfect player," Pearson said. "There is always work be done and improvements to be made. I want to get faster and work on my quickness. I feel I need to shed some weight. I weighed myself today and I was just over 300. I want to get down to 280."
Pearson has yet to receive an offer from Temple, but he was impressed with what he saw when he took his visit in late May. He is also leaning toward majoring in business and is very interested in Temple's Fox School of Business.
And in areas pertaining to football, Pearson also liked what he saw of Temple's coaches.
"I am impressed with what Al Golden has done there," Pearson said. "When I visited, he had no voice so I didn't get a chance to talk to him much, but I can tell he's a great coach."
Pearson has played mostly at offensive tackle throughout high school, but has also seen a few snaps at guard.
"They tell me that I may be a guard in college," Pearson said. "I'm barely 6-foot-5, so moving me to guard makes sense. Our other tackle last year is an even bigger prospect than me, and he is going to move to guard this season. I'm going to stay at tackle for now and just try to get better."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)