When Southern Regional’s (Manahawkin, N.J.) Mike Gesicki steps on the football field, most people can’t help but picture him playing the tight end position at the next level, but in all reality, the 6-foot-6, 220-pound junior has different plans.
“I'm not the fastest receiver in the nation, but I'm definitely not slow either,” said Gesicki confidently. “I would say my speed is very deceiving at times and I think the opposition underestimates me. I would also say if there's a jump ball, I'm going to make a play on it before the defender can. I always make the catch with my hands and I try to never let the ball get into my body. That way it doesn't have a chance to bounce off my pads.
“I'd like to think I can do anything the team needs at receiver. I can be a deep threat. I can be a possession receiver. A lot of people are saying they could see me at tight end, but I think I can be a Division I wide receiver.”
The Southern Regional standout helped lead the Rams to a 9-4 record this past season and quite far in the state playoffs, but now that the campaign is over, Gesicki is already busy preparing for next season, both mentally and physically.
“Definitely by next football season, I want to get up to 237 pounds,” he stated. “Last season, I started off at 198 pounds and throughout the season I was able to put on some weight without it affecting my game. I'm really working towards my target weight.”
Most New Jersey products get a reputation of having somewhat of an attitude and go for broke playing style and Gesicki is no different.
“I definitely have a mean streak to me,” he claimed. “When I'm on the field, I'm not going to let anybody take it to me. I turn on that switch and I have a totally different mentality than the person off the field.”
With the recruiting process just starting to get underway, the Garden State native has already begun to see his recruitment heating up.
“Right now, I have two offers from Boston College and Rutgers,” shared Gesicki. “I'm also receiving a lot of interest from Maryland, Penn State, Temple, Stanford, Michigan and Michigan State.”
The talented receiver has already started setting priorities in what he'll be looking for in a school and the results are pretty detailed.
“First thing first, education will take top priority in the school I choose,” a 2014 prospect explained. “After that, it will be the coaches and whether I fit into their football program. The questions I'll ask once I consider a college is, ‘Can you see yourself going there for four years? Can you see yourself getting along with the coaches? Can you see yourself getting along with the other players?’
“There are definitely a lot of things to consider when you're getting ready to choose a college and you have to be sure before you make your decision.”
Though he's yet to hear from the Irish, Gesicki definitely likes what he seeing on a weekly basis and hopes it's just a matter of time before he gains their undivided attention.
“I would definitely be interested in hearing from Notre Dame,” he said excitingly. “They have a phenomenal football program up there and they're going to the national championship. That just shows you the type of program they have. I would definitely consider going to Notre Dame if they decided to offer me. I haven't heard from them yet, but I'm hoping in the near future I will.
“If Notre Dame decides take interest in me that would be phenomenal. I would really love to have that opportunity to consider them and I hope to hear from them in the near future.”
