By Jeff Odom
Steinbrenner football player Kendall Pearcey verbally committed to Fordham University, a Division I program in New York City, after an official visit Jan. 20.
The senior running back/kick returner was a first-team The Laker/Lutz News selection the last two years and was named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2011 as a junior.
Pearcey ran for 756 rushing yards on 118 carries and 14 total touchdowns last season for a Steinbrenner squad that finished 5-5 overall. He said he knew he could call Fordham home after seeing what the school had to offer him.
“Fordham had that homely feel for me and right outside the campus is busy city life, so there’s plenty of things to do,” Pearcey said. “What stood out was the campus and how beautiful it was, and I fit right in with the team.”
Pearcey is the second Warrior to commit this season after defensive back Trey Johnson picked the University of Villanova last month.
Pearcey said signing with his teammates will be a blessing, especially being a part of Steinbrenner’s first four-year graduating class.
“I always knew I could make it this far, and that confidence and dedication is what got me here,” Pearcey said. “I’m a little nervous about the distance, but my parents were the ones who convinced me to go through with the commitment. It’s going to take some time getting used to it, but it’s going to be a great experience, and I can’t wait to go back and get to work.”
Fordham is in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the Patriot League. The school’s other athletic programs compete in the Atlantic 10 conference.
— Follow Jeff Odom on Twitter: @JOdomLaker
