Erasmus enhances growing rep with record signing class

HANGING in Danny Landberg’s office at Erasmus Hall High School is Curtis Samuel’s transcript. It’s not for aesthetics — it’s for impact.

When a talented player enters the football program at the Brooklyn powerhouse, the coach emphasizes the importance of academics by showing him Samuel’s transcript. When a player is struggling in the classroom, Landberg reminds him of how the current Carolina Panther and former Ohio State star took care of his business in high school. If he realized its importance, they have no choice but to do so.

“That’s the first thing [the coaching staff ] says, ‘You can’t do anything without the books,’ ” wide receiver Aron Cruickshank said in a phone interview.

It’s certainly having the desired impact. On Wednesday, Erasmus Hall set a New York City record, per 247Sports.com, by having seven players sign National Letters of Intent to Division I schools, sending recruits to Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Rutgers, among others on the first day of the early National Signing Day period.

The enthusiastic and intense Landberg has transformed the program into one of the city’s best since taking over 16 years ago, winning one city title and reaching several more.

Just a few weeks ago, Erasmus Hall lost in the final to Curtis at Yankee Stadium, its fourth straight defeat in the title game, but that disappointment was replaced by a euphoric feeling.

“It doesn’t wash it away, it puts things in perspective,” Landberg said. “To be able to help these kids get out of New York City, have an opportunity to see how life is lived outside of here, give them a free education and not to have to worry about the debt afterwards, it’s one of the best things you can do.”

Erasmus has become a popular stop for college coaches, with the school hosting the likes of Urban Meyer and Jim Harbaugh.

This year, the school’s big prize was All-American Matt Jones, a 6-foot-4, 300pound offensive lineman who picked Ohio State over the likes of Clemson, Penn State, Alabama and Michigan.

Cruickshank, a three-star prospect, signed with Wisconsin; defensive backs Kessawn Abraham and Christian Izien opted for Rutgers; wide receiver Sean Ryan chose Temple and defensive back Shamel Lazarus picked Connecticut.

Another defensive back, Calique Cato-Jacobs, signed with Stony Brook and running back Shamar Logan is headed to Division II New Haven.

“It will be fun to say I’m a part of history,” Cruickshank said.

This truly began with Wayne Morgan, a hard-hitting safety/quarterback, who went to Syracuse in 2012. The coaching staff made sure Samuel could be seen, taking him to top-flight camps. It only took off from there, especially with Samuel leading Ohio State to the College Football Playoff last year and getting drafted in the second round by the Panthers.

Now, Landberg doesn’t need to convince coaches his players are good enough. The 19 players who have signed with Division I programs do that for him.

“Schools have had Erasmus Hall on their must-visit list for years,” 247Sports.com national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn said.