Zach Goodale commits to Rutgers Football as a preferred walk-on

Toms River North (NJ) rising senior Zach Goodale has committed to Rutgers football, he announced on social media on Saturday.

Goodale is the son of current Rutgers wrestling head coach Scott Goodale.

"It feels great. I've grown up wanting to play college football and now I get the chance. I'm excited for the next couple years," Goodale told TKR. "Rutgers is home. I've grown up on that campus. I've seen all of the facilities, been to tons of football games and wrestling matches. It's been a goal of mine since I was a kid. This is an exciting time for the program and I'm so happy I can be a part of it."

Zach Goodale, who is slated to be a walk-on wide receiver, made 21 receptions for 587 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019 for the Mariners, which went 9-2 en-route to an appearance in the Central Jersey, Group 5 semifinals and a Shore Conference American Division title.

He can also play defensive back.

"I will play wherever they want me at, but wide receiver is where they have been recruiting me for," Goodale said. "Wherever they need me to play I will be all in and ready to compete."

The 6-foot, 180-pounder had interest from the likes of Monmouth, Fordham, and Delaware, but opted to stay close to home and to his dad.

Scott Goodale has been at the helm of the Scarlet Knights on the mat since the 2007-08 season and has brought that program up from the bottom to one of the best in the Big Ten and the country with now All-Americans and national champions.

Zach Goodale's older sister, Shelby, is also a member of the Rutgers Dance Team.

Rutgers has 21 scholarship commits in the 2021 class that is ranked No. 20 nationally and Goodale as a message for his classmates.

"Let's get to work," he said. "We got a lot of hammers who are great football players and great kids. And to the Rutgers fans, it's an exciting time. It all starts with you guys. Get amped because this is a new era."

Follow Chris Nalwasky on Twitter @ChrisWasky.