On March 12, top prospects from New Jersey and beyond will have a chance to test their mettle against their peers and prove themselves worthy of top rankings and college offers at the 2011 NUC Five-Star Showcase. One prospect, wide receiver Carlton Agudosi, will be looking to show his talents are equal to those of higher-touted prospects at his position.
"I'm looking forward to matching up with good competition, I know this state and this area has a lot of good players," said the Franklin high school product. "One thing I can't wait for is the one-on-one drills, I want to showcase my route running and how I get out of breaks."
Agudosi admits that there are two wide receivers he is focused on competing with, and one quarterback he can't wait to catch passes from.
"Right now, Leonte (Carroo from Don Bosco) and Ruhann (Peele from Linden), they are the two guys in front of me that are the two best receivers in the state. I want to show that I'm right up there with them and I am the best receiver in New Jersey.
"I also really want to work with (Old Tappan quarterback) Devin Fuller. I've seen his highlight tapes and he is a really good player."
Despite not receiving any offers thus far, Agudosi has proven to be an attractive target for three schools in particular. One is in his backyard, while the other two are not nearly as close by.
"I've been hearing from LSU, Georgia and Rutgers the most," Agudosi stated. "They have been coming after me the hardest. Right now, I'm trying to improve my grades. Coach Schiano said once I do that, they will probably offer."
Agudosi has a great respect for his local program, which has already offered his teammate and best friend, Kye Morgan.
"I like Rutgers. I like Coach Schiano and their wide receivers coach (P.J. Fleck) is very high energy and seems like a good guy. They are family-oriented and are headed in the right direction."
Agudosi's off-season has taken him in multiple directions. He is a key contributor on the Warriors' basketball team, which enters the weekend as one of the top contenders for the Somerset County crown.
In the meantime, he has not neglected his gridiron responsibilities.
"I've been lifting and getting my agility up. Once the spring comes I will be running track. I'm also trying to get my weight up to about 205, 210 pounds while lowering my 40 time from a 4.65 to the 4.4, 4.5 range. A lot of coaches want to see me get more explosive and I just want to get my body ready for college."