Trenton set to have 10 college players next fall
TRENTON » The “Trenton Makes, the World Takes’’ sign certainly applies to the city’s high school football team this year.
In all, six Tornado seniors are already committed to play college football next fall. Another one already knows where he is headed and three more are still making their final collegiate decisions.
Obviously, 10 college players from one class is a very healthy total for just about any high school football program.
“It is a great group,’’ said third-year coach Greg Hyslop. “Things didn’t pan out quite like what we had hoped for, but it is a very talented class.’’
Playing what was easily one of the toughest schedules for any of the Colonial Valley Conference teams, Trenton got off to a 3-0 start last fall before finishing 4-5.
In addition to some rugged competition, making things even tougher for Trenton was an injury bug. This included quarterback James Hubbard being banged up for six of those games.
The team also suffered a major blow when standout defensive back Jazzir Merricks suffered a seasonending knee injury during the preseason.
“A lot of our defense was set up around Zazzir,’’ said Hyslop. “Not having him was a huge loss.’’
Losing this many capable players might indicate Trenton will be in a rebuilding phase, but Hyslop doesn’t see it that way and is already looking forward to the next season.
“I think we are going to be in pretty good shape,’’ he said. “We have some talented players who couldn’t get on the field much last season because they were behind this year’s seniors.’’
JAZZIR MERRICKS » After missing his senior season because of a knee injury, Merricks is headed off to play defensive back at Montclair State University and major in human resources. Merricks was a three-year starter and team captain. His junior year he recorded 80 tackles and three interceptions while earning allleague honors. Merricks was also a Delaware Valley scholar athlete. ZAMIR TRAVERS » Travers took up the sport of football as a sophomore and by the time he was finished he was a two-year starter on both the offensive and defensive lines. As a senior he was named all-division. The first member of his family to go to college, Travers will attend Montclair State University and major in criminal justice.
SHAUN BALKCOM » A 6-3, 260-pound physical player who made a big impact on the field, Balkcom was a fouryear starter on the offensive and defensive lines. He was also a team captain and as a junior led the team with seven sacks. He was named to the alldivision team as both a junior and senior. Balkcom’s next stop is Delaware Valley College, where he will major in sports medicine. “Shaun was the first name that came up when the college scouts came in,’’ said Hyslop. “He’s been recruited to play defensive line, but when the offensive line coach sees him he might try to steal him to that side of the ball.’’
JAMES HUBBARD » A very versatile player and excellent athlete, Hubbard started four four years. He played a variety of positions, including wide receiver, defensive back and quarterback as a senior. He was a two-year all-division player. Hubbard has committed to play quarterback at Delaware Valley College. PAYNN ROBINSON » Excellent at both defending the pass and catching the ball, Robinson started for two years at both corner back and slot receiver. This past year he led the team with three interceptions. Robinson will play defensive back at William Patterson University. LAVOR FUNDERBURG » Funderburg was the team’s top receiver this past year. He scored four touchdowns and was known for making big plays at crucial moments. Funderburg is currently in the process of getting his grades up so he can commit to William Patterson where he will play wide receiver. KAYSHAUN MASSEY » Massey started for two years on both the offensive and defensive lines. He was an all-division player as a senior and has committed to play at Nassau Community College. GREG KING JR., JARON ENCARNACION, TYQUIL ANDERSON » Although all three have yet to make their final decisions, they have received interest from college programs and have plans to play on the next level.