Tsimis Commits to Rutgers; Looks to Recover from Torn ACL

While attending a training combine in Maryland earlier in May, felt his left knee give out while running a dig route which as resulted in a torn ACL and possibly the end of his high school career with the . But just over the horizon is something else to look forward to as the rising senior committed to Rutgers University as a wide receiver.

The 17-year-old from Harrington Park is scheduled to undergo surgery June 12, and could potentially miss his senior season in the red and gold, depending on recovery time.

“I didn’t really plan on committing so early but then I got injured and I realized that Rutgers wouldn’t have the offer dangling out there for me forever. The rehab will be for five to eight months,” Tsimis said. "“It was an easy decision for me, being that it’s Division-I football, state of the art facilities, and I think the offense is really good for me. I’ll play outside and in the slot and we have a really good chance of winning a national championship."

For his junior year, Tsimis hauled in 11 touchdowns, 50 catches and 754 receiving yards. He was rewarded by being selected First team All-State, first team MSGVarsity All-Metro, first team All-North Jersey, First team All-County, first team All-league and also State of Rutgers first team All-New Jersey.

"He's a good route runner with good hands who caught the attention of people against Don Bosco Prep when he ," said Brian Dohn ofScarletReport.com.

The 6'0" 175-pound athlete is just the fourth athlete to commit to the Scarlet Knights under new head coach Kyle Flood from the Class of 2013 at this time. Running backs Dontea Ayres (Salisbury, MD) and Justin Goodwin (Madison) along with All Purpose Back Anthony Cioffi (Springfield) will join Tsimis in 2013.

He would join former Don Bosco rivals Paul Canevari (fullback), Gary Nova (quarterback), Darius Hamilton (defensive tackle), and Leonte Carroo (wide receiver).

Tsimis had previously looked into Colorado, East Carolina, Temple, Boston College, Duke, Penn State and Princeton prior to his injury but settled on Rutgers with his verbal committment. He will ink his official Letter of Intent in February 2013.

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