Reading High’s’ ‘Bruiser’ Efese announces college commitment
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Keyshawn Efese says he plays football to make a better life for him and his family.
Tuesday the Reading High senior lineman saw his dream to play college football come true as he announced his commitment to play at Monmouth University.
“If anybody would’ve told me I’d be in this position four years ago. . . there is no way I would have believed them,” Efese wrote on Twitter.
The 6-5, 290-pound Efese entered high school out of shape and uninterested in playing football.
When he realized the game could lead to a college education he got serious with his athletic training, dropped 75 pounds, and soon began to catch the eye of college recruiters.
Efese, who has a seven-foot wingspan and goes by the nickname “Bruiser,” earned all-league second-team honors at tackle as a junior.
He entered the season with offers from Villanova, Howard, Stony Brook, Maine, Towson, and Bryant.
“I can express how much I appreciate . . .all my coaches, who have pushed, loved and guided me through this journey,” Efese wrote in his announcement.
“Thank you to my family, who has stood by my side no matter what and pushed me even when I didn’t understand. I will always have you guys first. I won’t let us down.”
Monmouth is a NCAA FCS school which plays in the Coastal Athletic Association, along with Villanova, William & Mary, Delaware, Richmond and 11 other schools. It is located in West Long Branch, N.J.
Gov. Mifflin grad Ayden Martin is a sophomore defensive back with the Hawks.
The Hawks are 4-3 overall, 2-1 in the conference with five games remaining.
His message to other students like himself: “You can come through the Castle on the Hill and make it! Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.”
