FOOTBALL

GMC football players honored at 47th annual Bill Denny awards luncheon

Greg Tufaro
Courier News and Home News Tribune
Bill Denny/Rutgers Football Letterwinners Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame

The Greater Middlesex Conference’s top high school football players were honored for their achievements on the gridiron, in the classroom and in the community at the 47th Bill Denny/Rutgers Football Letterwinners Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame luncheon on Sunday.

The event, held at the Pines Manor in Edison, honored one gridiron star from each of the league’s 24 football-playing high schools and presented five major awards to student-athletes.

Paul Cocozziello of St. Joseph was the recipient of the prestigious William Denny Scholarship, while South River's Kyle Baszak (Ethel Denny Scholarship), South Brunswick's Felix Quinones (Elmer Stout Scholarship), Edison's Branden Barnes (Alex Wojciechowiz Scholarship) and Woodbridge's Nick Nyers (Frank Burns Award) also received special recognition.

Rutgers defensive end Darnell Davis was the Rutgers University football lettermen scholar-athlete. Davis, who was named team captain as a redshirt senior after being recognized as one of the nation’s top walk-ons, is the quintessential student-athlete. Winner of the prestigious Paul Robeson award for performance, leadership and dedication to the Rutgers University football program, Darnell was also a three-year Academic All-Big Ten award winner.

Over the past 47 years, the Bill Denny Chapter has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships funds to Middlesex County scholar-athletes.

Award recipients included ...

Sportsmanship Award: East Brunswick, J.F. Kennedy and Dunellen high schools

Distinguished American Award: Pierce Frauenheim

Edward "Red" Losiewicz Distinguished Official Award: Venancio “Benny” Rivera

Coach of the Year Award: Joe Goerge (South Brunswick), Michael Cipot (North Brunswick) and P.J. Jankowicz (Middlesex)

Chester Zdrodowski Distinguished Educator Award: Ann Cyrana (Colonia)

Central Jersey Pop Warner scholar-athlete: Steven Abt, Monroe

The National Football Foundation is a nationwide organization designed to promote American amateur football as an integral and wholesome part of the educational process, to encourage the beneficial direction and playing of the game at schools and colleges throughout the country, to provide the proper incentives and ideals for American youth and to set standards of sportsmanship for the individual player.

Following is a complete list of GMC honorees in alphabetical order with accompanying biographical sketches submitted by a coach or representative from their respective football teams for the awards program.

Bill Denny/Rutgers Football Letterwinners Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame scholar-athlete recipients

Ryan O’Leary (Bishop Ahr)

Ryan may be the best example of perseverance the Bishop Ahr Football program has seen in recent years. Despite suffering a career-threatening leg injury early in his junior season, Ryan returned to lead the Bishop Ahr offense in 2017. He started at quarterback and led the team in completions, yards and touchdowns. Ryan’s positive attitude and hard work was invaluable during the 2017 season because the Bishop Ahr team was dealing with an unprecedented amount of injuries, and it was Ryan leading a team of younger players, who improved weekly with his leadership. Ryan has a GPA of 3.91 with an SAT of 1270 and a 23 ACT score. He works hard in the community in the Ahr Star Club, which provides funds for children with life-threatening injuries, and the Christian Social Action Club, which helps those less fortunate. Ryan is a shining example of what it truly means to be a student athlete at Bishop Ahr High School.

Dwayne Sharpe (Carteret)

Dwayne Sharpe exemplifies Carteret football. Dwayne is a talented and extremely smart young man with a bright future. This past season, Dwayne served as a captain for our team and led our team in snaps played, never leaving the field on offense or defense. Dwayne also sacrificed his individual stats for the betterment of the team, moving to various positions wherever was best for the Ramblers. He played tailback, fullback, tight end and wide receiver; he even took snaps at quarterback from time to time. Defensively, he was at his best, where he was recognized as an All-White Division performer and second team All-Area by the Home News Tribune. Despite Dwayne’s on-field heroics, his biggest impact may have come off the field with his leadership and desire to outwork opponents. Dwayne spent the past three years acting as a peer tutor for our “Play It Smart” program and volunteered at numerous community events including the annual Cancer Walk and the waterfront cleanup. Dwayne has also excelled in the classroom as evidenced by his 3.4 GPA and his placement in the top 25 percent of his class. Dwayne’s college plans are undecided at this time, but he has been recruited by numerous local schools and plans to major in criminal justice with an eye towards becoming an FBI agent one day. Due to his diligence in the classroom, in his community and his play on the field, Dwayne Sharpe is being honored as Carteret High School’s 2018 Bill Denny Award recipient.

Jordan Gutierrez (Colonia)

Jordan is one of the most well-rounded students in Colonia. Academics, athletics and community service are all on this young man’s resume. Academically, Jordan ranks 11th in the class of 343 and scored a 1060 on his SAT. He is a member of a variety of honor Societies including The National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Math), Science Honor Society and Rho Kappa (History). He is also a member of Heroes and Cool Kids, a mentoring club in the district for middle school students. Athletically, Jordan was a three-year letter winner in football and a two-year starter. A linebacker and special teams’ player, Coach Roarty has nothing but praise for the young man. “He never missed a practice or weight room session and was a reliable silent leader in the program.” In the community, Jordan is a junior football coach for St. Cecelia’s Golden Knights. He was part of the program for four years as a player and is now giving back to the young men participating. He has also volunteered for Toys for Tots collections during the holidays and is an Angel Paws Cat Shelter volunteer. Jordan is a proud member of the Colonia family and we are proud he is a Bill Denny nominee.

Michael Harmon (Dunellen)

Michael Harmon has been a fixture for the Destroyers as a three-year varsity starter and captained the Destroyer ship this past season. Mike accepted any and all roles unselfishly by putting the good of the team ahead of himself. He best exemplifies the characteristics of leadership, courage, loyalty and self-sacrifice. But above all, it’s Michael’s caring and compassion to those he comes in contact with that endears him to his teammates, coaches and the Destroyer community. Mike was named second Team All-Area Offense by the Home New Tribune. He was selected to the GMC All-Conference team and made All-Blue Division for the second year in a row. He was named Borden’s Baller of the Week in Week 8 and Coach Borden had this to say about Mike: “He may not be the biggest player on the field, but Mike Harmon has the toughest job when it comes to running the Destroyer single-wing offense. The play starts with him as he takes the snap and either hands off, blocks, runs or throws depending on the call. Athletic and physical, Harmon gives you everything he’s got as he never comes off the field.” In an exciting game against 9-0 South River, Mike rushed 27 times for 279 yards with two touchdowns along with an 85-yard TD on a kick return. In the annual Thanksgiving Day game vs. eventual Central Group 1 champion Middlesex, Mike rushed 15 times for 119 yards and a TD, and also had a 87-yard kick return for a TD. For his outstanding play, Mike was selected the Dunellen MVP by the Blue Jay staff for the second year in a row. Overall in the 2017 season, Mike rushed 167 times for 1,163 yards and 22 TDS. He scored a total of 132 points and had three kick returns of 80, 85, and 87 yards for TDs. He also had an 83-yard return that went to the 2 yard line vs. Metuchen. Michael is a tremendous baseball player and excels on the diamond. He has earned three varsity letters for the Destroyer baseball team and anticipates earning his fourth this upcoming season. Mike is an excellent student with a 3.0 GPA. Mike has applied to East Stroudsburg University, Montclair State and Rowan University and hopes to major in athletic training.

Jack Solimini (East Brunswick)

East Brunswick senior Jack Solimini continues to be an outstanding student-athlete and role model. Athletically, Jack is a three-year varsity letter winner in lacrosse and football, where as a wide receiver /defensive back he accumulated 38 catches, 441 yards, three touchdowns, 92 tackles, two interceptions and 11 passes defended. Honored as team captain, he was selected third team All-Area (Home News Tribune), Max Preps Offensive Player of the Year, EB Outstanding Defensive Back and EB Player of the Game (four times). Academically, Jack maintains a 3.94 GPA while carrying 16 Honors /AP Classes. He has achieved Honor Roll in 13 of 14 marking periods and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society and the Senior Leadership Council. Jack commits to his civic responsibilities as a volunteer youth coach for Blackhawks Lacrosse and Buddy Ball Fast Break basketball. He is an annual contributor and volunteer for the Middlesex County (MCFOODS) Summer Food Drive and the SFK Breast Cancer Foundation. Jack is undecided on his college choice and will major in finance and accounting.

Branden Barnes (Edison)

Branden Barnes is a pleasure to coach and embodies all the attributes that we cherish in our student-athletes. His attitude, dedication, sportsmanship and passion for sports and academics make him an inspiration to both coaches and his teammates. Branden is a two-year varsity starter at tight end and defensive tackle. Academically, Branden maintains an unweighted GPA of 3.94 and scored 1050 on the SAT’s. He is a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. Athletically, his versatility and out-of-season work ethic quickly identified him as a team leader and someone other athletes could admire. This season, Branden had 49 tackles, 17 for loss, five sacks and 17 QB pressures. Branden was named First Team All-Area Defense, All-Greater Middlesex Conference and All-Red Division. He was named to the New Jersey Super 100 Team and was selected by USA Football to play for the U19 Select Team in the International Bowl in Texas. Branden plans on continuing to play football in college and pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Currently, he is considering attending Monmouth, Central Connecticut State, Bucknell or Lehigh University.

Kyle Hagin (Highland Park)

Kyle is not only a good athlete, but his work ethic and community service shows he is a quality person as well. In school, Kyle maintains a 3.75 GPA and is a member of the DECA Business Club. In football, he was a varsity player for the past two years at center and wing back. He was named team captain and was a member of the Gold All-Division Team. Off the field, Kyle works just as hard to help others. As a volunteer for the Raritan Valley Surgical Center, he helped stock the operating room. Working with the Highland Park DECA club, they successfully organized a color run which raised over $3,000. The money raised went to the Wounded Warrior Project and the Bridge for Books Foundation. He has also helped with clothing and food donations for veterans at the Reformed Church of Highland Park. Finally, as a member of the “Roots” Camp, he attended a series of workshops where he and his peers were taught how to work with others regardless of differences. It was through these activities and being a vocal leader in football that has helped him become the person he is today. Kyle plans on attending Rutgers University in the fall to study business.

Louis Truppa (John F. Kennedy)

Lou Truppa has been very involved throughout his four year at John F. Kennedy Memorial High School. Lou is a three-year starter and captain of the varsity football team. He played an infinite amount of positions this past year, starting at center, guard, nose guard, defensive end, outside linebacker and long snapper. He played on both sides of the ball including special teams and never saw the sidelines. Lou is an all-around dedicated player who brought leadership and discipline to the team. His skills, talent and knowledge of the game was well utilized on the field, where he called out key blocks to the offensive line and made crucial tackles on defense. His effort and commitment on and off the field earned him the “Outstanding Lineman of the Year” Award his junior year and the “Paul Handerhan Memorial Award” his senior year. He was also named Athlete of the Month for November and won the Mustang Award and Borden’s Baller Award. Lou is also a varsity starter for the baseball team as well as a captain. Lou is also very well-known academically in his school. He was named JFK December Senior of the Month for his outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and on the field. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Heroes and Cool Kids, Key Club, and treasurer of the Student Council. Lou has performed in the Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and District Honors Band. He has volunteered his time to coach youth football for the past four years and played Pop Warner football for eight years. Lou is a unique teammate who is gifted in academics, athletics and the arts; and is one that has given all his time and effort to become the successful student-athlete he is today. His commitment, passion and dedication to the team have not gone unnoticed.

Jared Martinez (John P. Stevens)

Jared Martinez is an outstanding student-athlete. On the field, Jared led J.P. Stevens as a captain for two years. He was a two-way starter, who never came off the field. He is a true leader, who works hard and is driven to excel. His hard work transfers into the classroom, where he maintains a solid 3.471 GPA. He ranks 452 out of 629 students at a highly competitive school. He is a member of the Latin National Honor Society, National and New Jersey Classical League and the A/B honor roll. As a well-rounded student-athlete, Jared also is an active member of the theatre program at J.P. Stevens. He is respected not only by his teammates and coaches, but by his teachers and peers. Jared was a three-year letterwinner, where he played linebacker and guard. He led the team with 102 tackles and was named J.P. Stevens Defensive Player of the Year. He was named second team All-County and All-White Division. Jared will continue his football career in college where he plans on majoring in physical therapy.

Daniel Kindler (Metuchen)

Dan has been a model student-athlete at Metuchen High School during the past four years. In the classroom, Dan has maintained a 3.9 GPA, taking a rigorous course load of honors and AP classes. He has been inducted into the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society, the Science Honor Society and the Tri-M Honor Society. He is also an active member of the marching band, the jazz band and the percussion ensemble. On the football field, he has proven to be a tremendous asset to any coach. During drills, Dan could often be seen mentoring his younger teammates, helping them improve their techniques. He started at both fullback and linebacker this year, but was willing to do anything for the good of the team. On two different occasions, he moved to the offensive line to help fill in for injured teammates. He proved to be a great leader for a young football team, and has earned the respect of not only his coaches but his teammates, as well. This year, Dan was selected as a game captain for five different games, and was selected by the coaches as the team’s Ironman Award recipient. Dan will continue his education at Kean University, where he intends to study biology.

Thomas Rau (Middlesex)

This year was outstanding for the Middlesex High School football program. We won our first state championship in 33 years and made a 10-win improvement from the year before. We had many outstanding performances throughout the season, but if it was not for Tom Rau and his leadership, dedication and toughness the Middlesex football program would not have achieved the great things it did in 2017. On the field, Tom was outstanding. He was the first option in our triple-option offense. He ran for 817 yards and scored six touchdowns. He was the fuel that made our engine go. His tough running style set the tone for the offense which gained over 4,000 yards. On defense, he was invaluable. His skill set was such that Tom played linebacker, safety and cornerback, allowing our defense to be multiple and hard to figure out. Teams needed to run their plays away from Tom because he would shut down his side of the field. Simply put, Tom was awesome from the beginning of the season to the end. As impressive as Tom was on the field, he was much more impressive in the classroom. Tom has been at the top of his class since his freshman year. He has not taken any shortcuts, often taking the most challenging classes so that he can make himself into the best he can be. He hopes to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute and major in aerospace engineering. Tom has also found the time to make a positive impact in the Middlesex community. He has been an active member of the Key Club, PRIDE Club and has taken an active role in Jays Fest, which is a 24-hour dance marathon that raises money for children in need in Middlesex. Tom will be missed greatly and he has set a great example for future student-athletes to follow.

Matt Zurawiecki (Monroe)

On the field, Matt Zurawiecki displayed that he is an excellent football player, as well as a leader. He showed abilities such as excellent analytical skills, as well as an unparalleled work ethic. Though his football achievements are admirable, what is more impressive is his strength of character. He shows compassion and kindness to all those around him. Matt is a three-year starter on the offensive and defensive line. The stress and pressure of playing both sides of the line can wear on a high school athlete, and Matt has been able to grow and confront this stress successfully. Over the past four years he has matured into a well-balanced player who understands the game and his role in it. His senior year he was awarded Second Team All-Area and First Team All-Red Division. At the high school, he has also been awarded the Ironman award, Defensive Player of the Year, and as a freshman he won Rookie of the Year. While being a major contributor to the football team he also maintained a 3.3 GPA and is a valued player on the varsity baseball team. Matt’s leadership skills extend beyond the classroom into the surrounding community. Matt has been an assistant CCD teacher. Matt also is a Buddy Ball coach where he assists students with special needs in baseball. Matt has assisted and led the team in our holiday food and toy drives. With Matt’s diverse and impressive high school career, only great things lie ahead for him. We at Monroe are proud and excited to see what the future has in store for this accomplished young man.

Ramiro Osuna (New Brunswick)

Student-athletes must balance the roles of being both a student and an athlete at their school. Ramiro has always modeled what it is to be a student-athlete. At New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School, Ramiro has managed to consistently maintain an “A-” average throughout his high school career while participating in various sports and other extracurricular activities. Additionally, Ramiro maintained good academic standing while taking a total of thirteen honors classes and three AP classes throughout his high school career. Ramiro is an active member of the Play It Smart Program where he uses life skills from the class and athletic arenas such as discipline, teamwork and leadership. As a member of the Play It Smart Program, Ramiro plans, prepares, and executes community service events which strengthen community togetherness. Ramiro is a well-rounded student-athlete who has consistently proven that he is capable of excelling in his academic responsibilities, extra-curricular activities, and is active in his community. As a member of the Play It Smart Program, Ramiro has volunteered numerous hours. His favorite and most frequent event was the Walk-A-Thon in which Ramiro volunteered for Heel to Heel Embrace Kids Foundation, Central Jersey Heart Walk, March for Babies and the Lupus Walk. Ramiro’s well-rounded approach is evident through his 1000 Yards Club induction in which he was admired for excelling academically, athletically, and in his community. Ramiro is looking to continue his educational aspirations at Rutgers University, Muhlenberg College or The College of New Jersey.

David Strzeminski (North Brunswick)

David Strzeminski was a three-year varsity starter who played on both the offensive and defensive line as well as linebacker during his junior season. He played football since third grade, playing for the North Brunswick Indians for four years then the Linwood Middle School football team for two. This year he was awarded first team All-GMC and was a candidate for the MyCentralJersey.com Bordan’s Baller of the Year award. David led the team in total tackles, tackles for losses and sacks. He placed in sixth in the state of New Jersey for sacks with 15.5 sacks. David started as a linebacker for two years, until his senior year when he selflessly converted to defensive end. David displayed talent and leadership skills both on and off the field. Academically, he had a 3.9 GPA during his high school career and scored a 1380 on his SATs – 740 in math and 640 in English. Other activities David participated in included varsity lacrosse for two years, the school concert band for one year, and was a part of the National Honor Society his senior year. David was also an active member in the North Brunswick community. He participated in the North Brunswick MS Walk and Care to Walk for two years, bagged groceries for both the football and lacrosse team at Shoprite, helped lay flags on the graves of veterans on Memorial Day, and volunteered at the Youth Sports Festival. David has recently committed to Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he plans to study biology and continue playing football for the Mules.

Zachary Thomas (Old Bridge)

Zachary Thomas has been a model student-athlete at Old Bridge High School for the past four years. In the classroom, Zach is an excellent student. He has maintained a 4.337 GPA while taking honors and AP courses throughout his high school career. He is ranked in the top 16 percent of his class (128/784) and has been inducted into the National Honor Society. Zach has been accepted to Rutgers where he plans on pursing either a degree in finance or supply chain management. On the field, Zach is a hard-working athlete that understands how to practice and prepare. Zach started every game the past two seasons in the defensive backfield and helped our team win a share of the Red Division this year. Zach had 72 tackles, three interceptions and made all our defensive coverage calls on the field. He was recognized as a selection to the All Red-Division team as well as being named the OBHS Outstanding Defensive Back. Zach has also been named as a NJ Mini-Maxwell Award winner. Zach has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches by his steadfast nature and determination, earning him the right to be team captain this year. Most importantly Zach is a caring person and loyal individual that genuinely cares about his family, peers, school and town.

David Welch (Perth Amboy)

David has been a member of the Perth Amboy football program for his four years of high school and has been an attribute to the program, leading by example both on and off the field. As a football player, David was named our Scholar Athlete and led the team in sacks. He is always the first person in and the last one to leave. David has organized offseason workouts, led the team in the weight room and made sure teammates were in during curfew before games. During our study hall, David has tutored his teammates while completing his work, as well. He has also lettered in wrestling here in Perth Amboy. As a person, David is very humble. His peers look up to him; not because he is a great football player, but because he is a great young man. All of his teachers and administrators have nothing but praise for him. David has been through a lot in his life and has overcome every obstacle that he has come across. Knowing that hard work pays off in the end, David always gives 110 percent in everything he does. He is part of the National Honor Society, the Perth Amboy High School Concert Band and has a 2.8 GPA. In his “downtime,” he volunteers for the Perth Amboy Salvation Army, has been part of numerous food drives for the high school, has raised money for The American Heart Association, The Susan G. Komen Foundation, helped organize class activities for the graduating class, summer reading club participant and works as a babysitter for neighbors. David knows that hard work and determination will allow him to be successful in life. And he is well on his way.

Demetrius Johnson, Jr. (Piscataway)

Demetrius is a two-year varsity letterwinner for the Chiefs. He played offense, defense and on special teams. Because of his actions on the field, he was named captain of the special teams. This year he was also awarded the Most Versatile Player on the Team. A two-sport athlete, he has also lettered in spring track. With a GPA of 93.38 and an SAT of 1320, Demetrius is in the top 10 percent of his graduating class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Math League, chess club and the New Brunswick Alumni Kappa League. He rounds out his school activities with the Concert Choir and the African- American Culture Club. In the community, Demetrius is an usher at church and volunteers at a senior living center. Overall, Demetrius is a well-rounded young man and is going to the University of Chicago to major in economics with a minor in finance.

Colton Redding (Sayreville)

Colton Redding epitomizes what it means to be an unselfish player, more concerned about the team than himself. He has played four positions during his high school career – quarterback, linebacker, tight end and fullback. He is a four-year varsity player who started his high school career at quarterback and finished his senior season as captain and team-leading tackler in the middle of our defense. Hard work, determination and commitment best describe what this young man is all about. Colton was selected to the Home News Tribune All-Area Team in 2017. In the classroom, Colton has also found much success. He carries a 2.8 GPA and achieved a 1080 on his SAT. Colton is very involved in other extracurricular activities, as well. He is a part of the school swim team, Tomorrow’s Teachers Program and the Criminal Justice Club. He also volunteers his “spare time” with the Jr. Bomber Football program as a Junior Football Coach. Colton plans on studying criminal justice-sociology at Kean in the fall.

Felix Quinones (South Brunswick)

Felix Quinones is the perfect example of a hard-working student, dedicated to serving his school and becoming an integral part of its social fabric. With a 3.1 GPA (out of 4) and a combined SAT of 1140 in a rigorous academic program, it is easy to see why he is a hard-working scholar. His teachers express amazement at his grasp of subject matter and his willingness to contribute to classroom discussions. A young man of character respected by his peers, teachers and school administrators, Felix represents the qualities of Bill Denny on and off the field of play. A volunteer at our Community Football and Baseball Camps and most recently assisting with hurricane relief for Texas and Puerto Rico, Felix has been most giving of his time to the community. But, perhaps, his most outstanding contribution to South Brunswick High School has been his participation on the football team for the past four years. A two-way player his junior and senior seasons, Felix has been a leader for us on and off the field. This year he led us to the Central Group 5 championship defeating Manalapan 18-14 at Rutgers University. Trailing by two points with three and a half minutes left in the game, Felix engineered an 11-play, 92-yard drive culminating with a 17-yard TD pass to win the game. His leadership and courage were present all year but never more in this big game. His well-earned awards include being named the Middlesex Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference (GMC), Third team All-State Group 5, Maxwell Football Club award winner, and selected to the Super 100 team for the state of NJ. His accomplishments on the field are well documented but it is his humility, leadership and character that enable him to lead others. It is easy to see why Felix was a captain for our team. Felix is gifted with an unusually strong motivation and generous spirit. He performs so outstandingly well in so many areas that his uniqueness is apparent. There is no question that Felix represents all the qualities in a student-athlete that the prestigious Bill Denny award stands for.

Parth Patel (South Plainfield)

Parth has been part of the football program at South Plainfield High School for four years. He has been an incredible leader on our team and because of that he was named team captain for the 2017 season. Parth really shines in the classroom and it is his success there that makes him absolutely deserving of this Bill Denny award. He is sixteenth in his class of 274, has a 4.07 GPA and received a 1400 on his SAT. Parth has invested in his school community and along with being an outstanding two-sport athlete, he is also involved in Student Leadership, Spanish and National Honor Societies, Heroes and Cool Kids, and Passionately Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness. Outside of school, Parth has put in well over two hundred volunteer hours at the hospital, with youth football, and at the wellness fair in town. Parth has a depth of character and strength of leadership that is not often seen in a young man his age. It has been a pleasure and an honor to watch him grow and mature. Parth’s plans are to pursue his goals of helping people by studying neuroscience at the University of Miami. Because of his drive, determination and work ethic he put in here at South Plainfield, he will find success where ever he goes.

Kyle Baszak (South River)

Kyle is a very outgoing player and person and pretty talented in the classroom as well. He was an honor roll student with a 3.22 GPA and an SAT of 1000. Kyle was a varsity football player for four years, the last two being named captain. During Kyle’s first two years of football he was a lineman. As a junior, he became a wide receiver and a running back. His hard work and determination allowed him to flourish during this transition and he became an important part of a record-setting offense. Kyle’s final season with the Rams ended with a record of 9-1 with an undefeated regular season. Kyle was named 2017 Most Valuable Player in football for the school. He was also a three-time All Division Football Player, two-time All Conference player and a GMC Player of the Week. A two-sport athlete, Kyle also wrestles and is a four-year letterwinner and captain for both his junior and senior season. He was district champion his junior year and was named Most Valuable Wrestler as well. He played for the South River Knights for eight years and now volunteers his time as a coach. While Kyle is not sure of which college he wants to attend, he is planning on a business and management major.

Michael Izzo (Spotswood)

Mike Izzo is not only a terrific student-athlete, but he is also a fine young man and an impressive leader. In the past four years, Mike has developed into a punishing run blocker, a skilled technical pass blocker, and a true student of the game. Mike was voted Coaches All-Blue Division this season, as he completed his career as a two-way starter for the Chargers at offensive and defensive tackle. Mike was voted captain by his teammates because of his physical skills, maturity and outstanding presence in the hallways at Spotswood High School. Mike has maintained a 3.68 GPA, garnering honor roll each marking period of high school and middle school, as well as his membership in Junior National Honor Society. Mike is a mentor to younger players and has left a great impact on the program due to his commitment, perseverance and performance. He also is a member of the varsity baseball team and was a coach for the annual Powder Puff game. In the community, he organizes food drives at his church. Mike will pursue a career in the sciences in college and is choosing among Susquehanna, Castleton, University of Norwich and Stockton, among others.

Paul Cocozziello (St. Joseph)

Paul has been a three-year varsity starter and a leader on our football team. He served as our team captain the past two seasons. Paul has displayed great leadership and tremendous attitude throughout his career. Paul has been selected for the All-Conference team, first team All-County, All-Division and also All-New Jersey Honorable Mention. Paul was also named Player of the Week by the Home News/Tribune and also Borden’s Baller of the Week. He was also awarded NJ Sports Zone Player of the Week, and News 12 NJ Non-Public Player of the Week. Along with all his accomplishments, Paul also holds 12 school passing records. Aside from football, Paul was a letterwinner and a standout javelin thrower for the varsity track team as well as a freshmen baseball and basketball captain. He has been on the Honor Society, served as a peer mentor and been involved with the St. Joseph broadcasting club. Paul has been an outstanding student-athlete at St. Joseph. He has a 3.55 GPA and an SAT score of 1120. Paul is in the process of deciding which college he plans on attending where he will continue to play football and major in business/marketing.

Nick Nyers (Woodbridge)

It is an honor and privilege to nominate Nick Nyers for the Bill Denny award. Throughout his life, he has shown the grit and toughness of a student-athlete destined for success. He’s always placed his education in front of all things. Nick has set the standard of what a true student-athlete should look and act like. Nick has maintained a 3.6 GPA and scored an impressive 1150 on his SAT, all while being a stellar athlete on the field. As a Woodbridge Barron he has displayed ongoing leadership skills and work ethic that every coach hopes for from his top players. Nick started at inside linebacker as a sophomore and progressed each year at the position. He has tallied 342 tackles over his career here at Woodbridge High School. Nick showed selflessness and pride by playing and doing anything that was asked of him. He played offensive guard, offensive tackle and running back over his career. He worked hard in the offseason on his strength and quickness and it payed off for him. Nick earned first team All-Conference, first Team All-Division and All-State Honors. Nick is also a wrestler here at Woodbridge High School and is currently ranked No. 8 in the state. He also plans to play baseball in the spring to end his high school athletic career. Nick has decided to end his football career and concentrate on his professional career. Nick aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon. He has narrowed his college choices to West Chester, Howard and East Stroudsburg. These schools have great pre-med programs and will prepare him for medical school. The same dedication he brings to the weight room and gridiron will make him a fine physician one day. Nick will be a successful young man. He will combine his organic talent, work ethic and desire to be great to achieve his goals and dreams. We will have to address him as Dr. Nyers in the near future.