Cameron Stapleton thinks he can strike gold at UConn.
The Poly Prep defensive end is one of a trio of city recruits heading to the University of Connecticut to play football this fall. He believes that he and tight end Jordan Fuchs of Christ the King and defensive tackle Folorunso “Foley” Fatukasi can make Storrs, Conn., the place to because for the city’s top gridiron talent.
“I feel a lot of kids have been suspect of going there because it just started,” Stapleton said. “They are building their program up.”
The Huskies only became a Division-I program back in 2000, but UConn has an opportunity to eclipse Syracuse as a city talent magnet after Bronx native and former Orange coach Doug Marrone left to become the head coach of the Buffalo Bills.
Local coaches believe Fuchs, Fatukasi and Stapleton, because of their character, can be great ambassadors for UConn in the coming years.
“Great attitude, great work ethic and they are a pleasure to coach,” said Erasmus Hall head coach Danny Landberg of the three.
It started the same way at Syracuse. Marrone landed one or two kids as he successfully turned the program around and the rest felt comfortable enough to follow. The Orange Wave’s recruiting classes became the talk of the Empire Challenge in recent years, as they had players on both teams. The players usually picked the Orange over UConn, but this trio hopes that trend ends now.
“They see guys like me and Cam going up there and it makes them want to go out there and be with us,” Fuchs said.
Stapleton can be a big part of that because of his personality. He’s outgoing and playful off the field, but dead serious when it comes to winning. Fatukasi, who will be Stapleton’s roommate this fall, was impressed with his former teammate’s demeanor.
“He doesn’t talk the talk without the walk,” Fatukasi said. “He does both. He doesn’t shut up, gets in your head, and he will bust your butt at the same time.”
Stapleton takes that attitude to a Huskies program on the rise. UConn, which will play in the American Athletic Conference next year, is coming off a share of the Big East title and having a school-record five players selected in the NFL Draft.
Stapleton’s high school career is now over, but he’s ready to move on to his role as a college athlete — and as a bridge to the remaining talent in New York City.
Reach reporter Joseph Staszewski at jstaszewski@cnglocal.com. Follow him on twitter @cng_staszewski.
