Stanford is a top contender for NJ quarterback Steve Angeli
Stanford offered Bergen Catholic's Steve Angeli Friday and he and his family are already very familiar with the school and football program after participating in a virtual visit and junior day.
Angeli's obvious talent, that he showcased in a part-time role his sophomore season, earned offers from some of the top teams in the country and Stanford offensive coordinator Tavita Pritchard has been recruiting Angeli since the summer. Head coach David Shaw and Angeli had a phone call Friday when Shaw told the four star juniors he has an offer.
Angeli's interest in Stanford is backed up by his participation in multiple virtual events when he didn't have an offer. The junior day was Feb. 13 and included 22 junior recruits.
Recruits and their family members spoke with coaches, staff, professors and a panel of current players — including former St. Peter's (New Jersey) standout Jordan Fox.
"I thought both events were great, especially just seeing how nice the campus is and all the academics, networking, and opportunities Stanford provides.
"My mom, dad, and older brother were on the junior day and it was just my parents on the virtual visit. My older brother played with Jordan Fox so hearing his transition across the country really stuck with me. I was teammates with (current second-year linebacker) Aeneas DiCosmo, so I’m always in touch with him."
Stanford is competing against Notre Dame, Oregon, LSU, Nebraska, Rutgers, Northwestern, MSU, Arizona, Penn State and Kentucky — the schools Angeli said he has the most consistent contact with and he has done virtual visits with most of them.
"Stanford’s virtual visit was one of the best I’ve been on. They were extremely great with my family and supplied us with meaningful and important information, and not only about football."
Moving to the other side of the country for college can be can off-putting idea during normal times and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it considerably more difficult for a family to test out if that's the right thing to do. Fortunately for Angeli, and Stanford's chances in his recruitment, his connections to current players and the virtual events have gone a long way toward making them all comfortable.
"I think the transition will be pretty smooth by working hard and having great time management. My parents are all for it. They think wherever the best place is, it doesn’t matter how far from home and I have the same mindset. Aeneas has really liked his experience. The academics and football will make you the best version of yourself."