Thomas Joyce '11 Recruiting Profile

I have attended and played college level football for 2 years. My freshman year was as a starter on special teams for Sacred Heart University (FCS) and in my Sophmore year I am the starting "Will" LB for nationally ranked (JuCo) Nassau County CC. 2012 El Toro Bowl Defensive MVP. I am excited about new opportunities both academically (achieved A.S. upon completion of winter 2012 semester in only 18 months) and athletically. 2010 Thorp Award (Most Outstanding High School Player) Nassau County NY. My original Personal Statement: Why do I want to go to college and participate in a collegiate football program? My plan through the next phase of my life is to continue my education as well as reach the next level of football. The game of football is extremely attractive to me. College football offers a higher level of competition and gives greater challenges that I would like to take on. College and college football can offer so much to a student-athlete. It could prepare me as an individual for adulthood that lies ahead. As a college student I would offer my ability to display a positive attitude in the classroom. And, as an athlete in a college football program, I would set high expectations for myself. I am willing to help the school, the team and the program be better off, any way that I can. College will give me the opportunity to enrich my life as I enter adulthood. Attending college would be highly beneficial due to the fact that it would give me an excellent reputation in life. People tend to look at college graduates differently as opposed to those who have not attended college. It offers creditability and respect. It shows the ability to set goals and achieve them. Attending college is an expectation for me because becoming successful and building a career are major goals of mine. Being exposed to new and diverse groups are something I desire and I understand the benefits that it would offer me. I could learn so much outside of my current hometown and my high school. I have a tremendous passion for the game of football. I have been playing since I was 7 years old and each year I become fonder of the game. What makes me so attached to this sport is how this game is played. A sport where you must depend on 10 other players to help you achieve a common goal. You cannot achieve in this game of football alone. I think that is true in life too. As a high school football player I truly admire new challenges that I am faced with. Just knowing that college offers higher level of challenges makes me want to play that much more. I want to continue my level of play to a higher level because of the extreme passion the for the game that I have. My goal is to keep playing as long as I continue to enjoy it. College and a college football program can do a lot for me. It would offer me the ability to stay organized and to remain focused. It offers me the ability to plan and it offers a great way for me to get ready for my life ahead. Maintaining of all these skills could lead to a demanding career. A career that I would be prepared for. Performing tasks like going to class, maintaining high grades, playing football, watching films, and staying conditioned requires a lot of responsibility. These are things that are needed in order to become successful on and off the field. They call it student-athlete not athlete-student for a reason. The efforts I must put in the classroom must be as strong as or much stronger than I do on the field. Not achieving in school means there is no football. The ability to receive excellent grades is a major priority; a responsibility that I think I am ready to accept. To be noticed as a collegiate athlete, you must also give to the community. Reaching out to the community by participating in clubs, programs and community work is where I can be recognized as a productive student. Being a part of the community is extremely important for the student-athlete. By taking part in these programs, I could help the school be looked at in a positive way. There is so much I can do for a college football program. A program could count on me as a player who has the ability to achieve high expectations. Overcoming hurdles and challenges is what I can truly admire. Any program would recognize quickly that I strive to become better every day. I will not accept myself as being anything but the best in the classroom and on the field. Effort is the one thing I can promise. Work ethic is what defines a student and a player and that is how I would show an institution that I am fit for their program. Leadership roles and taking charge of a group is what separates the good from the great. I am proud to say that I want to take on that role; in school, in football and in life. School, Football and Me: I am not sure yet if I want to attend a big or small school. Since I just started looking at colleges I have found advantages to both. I would like to possibly major in Criminal Justice or Sports Medicine. An east coast school is probably best for my family and I, but I would not rule out a great opportunity anywhere in the country. I currently maintain over an 85 average but I hope to have a 90 average by the end of the year. I take AP classes and college level Spanish through Adlephi University in NY. I will be taking my SAT in the winter and spring of 2010. I am currently 5'11" 195 lbs. and play linebacker and halfback for the Gen. Douglas MacArthur HS Generals in Levittown, NY. I was Captain of the Junior Varsity team as a freshman and was the only sophomore elevated to the Varsity Squad. I was a starter for the entire season (sophomore) and led my team with tackles with 63 even though I sat one game with a strained hamstring in a meaningless game. We came within 6 seconds up upsetting the conference favorite in last years playoffs and I hope we make an impact in this years playoffs as well. I am doing even better this year (battling tonsillitis for 5 weeks; possible surgery after season) and hope to be recognized at the end of the year. I am proud of my school, my program and the coaching staff, but I feel I am at a disadvantage due to Lacrosse (JV Capt), Baseball and Wrestling being a higher priority at my school and in all of Long Island High School Sports. I know I can play to higher levels. I attended summer football camps the last 3 summers in New Mexico and Pennsylvania and I ran a 4.63 40 yard dash at Penn State Football Camp II in June 2009. I was selected to attend the next level Ultimate 100 event but didn't show up as my school participated in a 7 on 7 HS football showcase which we won. When not with my team I am in either working out in the gym or with a personal trainer (Parisi program).