We have our second tristate freshman verbal commitment. It comes from attackman Matt Hubler of Rumson (NJ), who’s decided on Johns Hopkins.
Hubler plays for Avon Old Farms (Conn.) and has been on Team United’s travel team since the seventh grade.
Hubler’s brother, Chris, a junior midfielder at Rumson Fair Haven High School (NJ), verballed to Hopkins this past December.
Hubler joins UNC-bound attackman Michael Guerin (Kent School) as the only two freshman verbal commits in NY/NJ/CT.
Hubler gained his reputation on the summer circuit with his play for Team United directors Steve Carcaterra and Ric Beardsley playing on their high school teams since seventh grade.
“He showed up to our youth teams tryouts a few years ago and ran by everyone,” Carcaterra said. “He asked if he could get extra reps with the high school kids later in the day and I said ‘Why not?’ He basically ran by all the high school players as well. We have been calling him ‘Matty Ice’ ever since.
“He is one of those rare kids that you really don’t have to motivate. He calls me when he is home on break from Avon and we work out in the mornings together. I try my hardest to bury him with as many dodging and shooting drills as possible. I wind up quitting before he does.
“I think Hopkins is getting a true dodging threat attackman with a non-stop motor. A guy who can put pressure on a defense and the middle of the field from all angles at all times. He keeps it pretty simple but yet very effective. The most important thing about him is that he has a ton of fun out there and loves to compete.”
Now, here’s a Q&A with Matt on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
The reason I picked Johns Hopkins is because I knew with Johns Hopkins I would be playing lacrosse at the highest level, and at the same time be getting a great education. I love the fact that at Hopkins lacrosse is the No. 1 sport, and the whole community supports and cares cares about Johns Hopkins lacrosse.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited Syracuse University, and I also was considering Maryland, Princeton and Duke.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strengths as a player is my ability to be able to beat my man with my strength and speed, and to find ways to get to the goal from many different areas of the field. My style of play is that I am physical dodger who likes to keep testing my defender every time I have the ball.
How important of a factor was your brother Chris’ verbal this past December to Hopkins in your decision?
It was most certainly one of factors in my decision, and it was always a dream of mine to play with my brother at the highest level.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I got introduced to lacrosse by my Uncle Bill Garavente when I was 8 years old. Since that day, my passion has been playing lacrosse, and I will always remember where my lacrosse career started.
I also play football and hockey.
What travel team did you play on last summer and what showcase events did you participate in?
I played for Team United last summer and will be playing with Team United this summer. Last summer and fall, I went to Summer Slam, Scarlet Knights Summer Shootout, Lehigh Laxfest, Jersey Shootout, UMass Fall Classic, and the Duke 120.
Have a recruiting commitment to report? Email us at info@laxlessons.com.
LAXLESSONS Links
New Mobile apps for iPad/iPhone/Android
* Download the free LaxLessons Android app here.
* Download the free LaxLessons iPad/iPhone app here.
Recruiting coverage
* Updated tristate recruiting review and commitment rundown (for classes of 2013, ’14, ’15 and ’16)
* College-by-college breakdown for Class of 2013
* Recruiting commitment story archive
* 2012 Fall Signing Week story/photo archive
* For a list of committed players with their profiles up, click here.
* To get your profile up, click here
Connect with us
* Follow LaxLessons on Twitter by clicking here.
* Become a Fan of LaxLessons on Facebook now by clicking here.
Posted In: New Jersey lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown
See Hop getting after the recruits aggressively after falling short of NCAAs this year.
Yeh Matty!