By: Dan Ventura (High School Insider)
Peter Ngobidi was a year away from the recruiting process, but the Catholic Memorial junior got plenty of on-the-job training last year by watching what teammates like Cam Williams, Armani Reeves, A.J. Doyle and Donovan Henry went through.
Thus when the 6-foot-2, 215-pound began drawing interest from the likes of UMass, Bryant and Fordham, Ngobidi know what to expect.
Ngobidi’s recruitment ended yesterday when the defensive end/outside linebacker decided to attend UMass. He became the third in-state recruit to commit to UMass, joining Nantucket tight end/defensive end Terrel Correia and Springfield Commerce defensive end Sha’Ki Holmes in the incoming class of 2013.
“It’s a big relief to have this over with,” Ngobidi said. “I remember last year when Cam and Armani talked about how stressful the recruiting was before they made their decision and what a relief it was for them. Now, I know exactly what they were talking about because I feel the same way now.”
Earlier yesterday, Catholic Memorial coach Alex Campea expressed his happiness for Ngobidi and his decision to eventually join his high school teammate Doyle at UMass.
“I’m just so happy for Peter, he’s a great kid and worked very hard to get here,” Campea said. “I think this is a great for Peter, he fits in very well with the schemes they are running. The coaches texted me and said they were thrilled that Peter was coming.”
Part of the lure of selecting UMass was the fact it was a program heading to Division 1. But Ngobidi, whose sister Ogo is a student there, was looking at the bigger picture, namely academics.
“I haven’t decided what I want to major in, but there are so many different directions in which I can go,” Ngobidi said. “If I want to major in business, engineering or physical therapy, I can do any of that there.”
With a major part of his future accounted for, Ngobidi can now turn his attention to the Catholic Conference. Defending champion BC High, Xaverian and St. John’s Prep are potential top-5 teams in the state, while the Knights have to replace a large group of talented seniors.
“We have to work hard every day, no one player alone is going to help us win,” Ngobidi said. “So far, everyone is working very hard in the weight room and at captain’s practices. If we continue to that, I think we’re going to be a good team.”
