Union DE Mike Tverdov commits to Rutgers, goes in depth about decision
Rutgers landed another big commitment today when Union defensive end Mike Tverdov announced his plans to join the RU recruiting class of 2017. Tverdov went in-depth with Scarlet Nation about his decision.
“It is just the right place for me. I have been going to games since I was six years old,” Tverdov said. “Growing up and watching them during the time that I did, it was a really special time. I just feel like it is the right place to be and I really love Coach [Chris] Ash. He is a fantastic coach, he is one of my favorite coaches. I really have a ton of respect for him, just for the way he is changing the program and trying to convince every kid to stay in New Jersey and if all those kids stay in New Jersey, Rutgers could be a national championship contender down the road.”
Tverdov will follow in the footsteps of his brother, Pete, who was a former standout starting defensive tackle at Rutgers.
“Obviously it was my decision no matter what. My brother would influence me and give me his opinion on schools,” Tverdov said. “He really knows a lot about this process. He is also a big part of why I am the player I am today. He has been looking after me all these years. He played a big part in my commitment too.
“To some people, family is not everything. But to me, and a lot of other guys, family is really important and by staying home, you couldn’t ask for anything better.”
In recent weeks, the current crop of RU commits was urging Tverdov to jump on board and he talked about all the attention he’s received from the Rutgers community.
“The commits contact me, the coaches contact me, the whole community. There’s nothing they don’t like about me. It just made me that much more comfortable and this is obviously shaping up to be one of the best classes ever and I want to be part of that. When I look back in 20 years, I can see we started that championship deal. That is something that is very important to me as well.”
Tverdov’s offer list stretched into the high teen’s as he is the No.7-ranked prospect in the NJ class of 2017, according to Rivals.com’s state affiliate NJVarsity.com. He mentioned some of the lessons he learned throughout his busy recruitment.
“You have to stick with your gut because everybody is trying to sell you a different car. You have to take it upon yourself to do your own research and talk to people. You want to play for a coach that tells you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. You can’t sugar coat anything in college football. Coach Ash is a straight up guy, he’s honest and caring, but he is still a hard-nosed, passionate coach.”
Tverdov’s RU offer came from the old coaching staff and this winter the new coaches made him an instant priority. Since that time, Tverdov has also noticed a change in the program’s culture.
“The overall change, it is literally such a different school from my perspective. One thing I really like about that change is the whole staff is young and energetic. I know for a fact they are going to coach my tail off. One of the things that really sticks out to me is the strength and conditioning program with Coach Kenny Parker. I know 100%, he will develop me the best out of anybody and push me past my limits.”