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Ed Shockley, a 6'0" 220 pound linebacker from Millville, New Jersey has signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at Villanova, the school announced this morning.
Shockley, who played both tight end and linebacker for Millville, likely projects on the defensive side of the ball at the next level. He will add to the depth at linebacker for the Wildcats, a position that has been a relative strength in recent seasons, but would look very thin in two years without reinforcements like Shockley.
Ahead of him on the Main Line are a lot of talented options at linebacker, including:
| Class | Name | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | Don Cherry | 6'1" | 230 lbs. |
| (RS) Sophomore | Austin Calitro | 6' | 240 lbs. |
| (RS) Junior | Dillon Lucas | 6' |
230 lbs. |
| Junior | Corey Majors | 6' |
235 lbs. |
| Senior | Joey Harmon | 6' |
235 lbs. |
| (RS) Sophomore | TJ White | 6'1" |
225 lbs. |
While a challenge from the young backer would not be unheard of, the odds are against the 220-pounder starting this season without an injury forcing him into action. Villanova may work some youth into the rotation this season, but standout performances from Joey Harmon and Don Cherry last season cement their places in the starting lineup, with Dillon Lucas the favorite to return from injury and start this Fall as well.
The New Jersey native was first offered by Villanova early in January, and it didn't take long for the All-South Jersey standout to decide where he would be playing his football in college. He committed to Villanova just shortly after he was offered by the school early last month, choosing the Wildcats over offers from Bryant, Monmouth and New Hampshire.
