January 28, 2012

North Bergen linebacker Vin Ascolese dons the cap of his college choice of Arkansas. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

Vin Ascolese Announcement Photo Gallery

NORTH BERGEN – On the surface, it might seem like North Bergen and Fayetteville, Arkansas are polar opposites.

But when Vin Ascolese went to make his official visit to the campus and the coaching staff at the University of Arkansas, that sense of family - something so vital to the young linebacker, was already there.

It was one of the reasons that spurred Ascolese to decide that he will continue his football career at Arkansas with the Razorbacks.

"When I went there I felt like I was at home," said Ascolese of his visit the weekend of Jan. 14. "All of the fans were amazing. I loved those fans. The coaching staff made me feel like I was a part of the family already and that right there was the biggest thing to me."

Arkansas was the pick over other finalists Illinois and Texas A&M. Ascolese had also received a late offer from South Carolina.

"It's been a long road," he said. "It's been a dream I've had since I was a little boy."

An emotional at times Ascolese thanked his family and in particular his grandfather and head coach Vincent Ascolese for their guidance both during the season and in recruiting.

"It made everything a lot easier because he knew when someone was lying to me or telling the truth," Ascolese said about his grandfather. "Right away we knew if he was a real guy or not. That made everything easier. My grandpa's the man."

"I told him this is your decision and this is what will make you a better man," said the elder Ascolese. "I'll be there, you can bounce anything you want off of me, but I'm telling you, you have to make this decision. You have to feel comfortable because you're the guy going there, not me."

Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino visited the house of Ascolese's grandparents Thursday night for more than four hours, impressing the former North Bergen head coach.

"He was like a student listening what was going instead of him holding court," the 74-year-old Ascolese said. "I was impressed with the man."

The younger Ascolese had 134 tackles (57 for a loss), 11 sacks, eight forced fumbles and three interceptions this year at outside for North Bergen. A First Team All-State selection and Parade All-American, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Ascolese also rushed for 600 yards and three touchdowns at fullback to help lead his team and retiring coach to a North 1, Group 4 championship.

He is expected to stay at outside linebacker and has already set out the goasl of being a starter by his sophomore season and carving out a role on special teams right away.

"You're playing against the best of the best each week," said Ascolese about playing in the SEC. "I know I'm going to go down there and produce and be a dominant force.

"They should expect that I'll lay my body on the line for my team and I'm going to leave my heart out there every game. I refuse to lose and will do whatever I can to help my team win."

New Arkansas recruit Vin Ascolese (middle) with brother Nick Ascolese and mom Susan. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

Vin Ascolese Announcement Photo Gallery