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JT Jennings is an outstanding individual talent, but his key to success as a defender is teamwork.

“I would say my best skill is team defense and understanding when to slide and recover,” said the senior at Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School (N.J.).

That skill set should serve Jennings well at the next level. The senior close defender will be attending Siena College.

The 5-foot-10, 220-pound is a righty who plays for Team United. You can watch his highlight reel here.

Now, here’s a Q&A with JT on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision?
I want to attend a school that is academically competitive and also would give me the chance to play at the highest level. I want a big school, but not too big, and Siena fits perfectly.

I want a school that I felt comfortable with and that has a very school spirited community.

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited Fairfield, UMass Lowell, Sacred Heart, Albany, Merrimack, Salisbury and Middlebury.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I am a very physical and smart player. I have good checks and I know how to use the body.

What area of your game do you need to work on?
I feel like I need to work on my footwork and transitions

How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I originally thought I was going to play baseball in high school, but I hurt my shoulder in middle school so I started focusing more on lacrosse. I never looked back.

My middle school coaches, Dale Oehler and Joe Campbell, were great at encouraging my decision to play lacrosse. I played basketball up until freshman year, and I played football since I was 6 years old, and we just recently won a state championship.

What travel team do you play on? what showcase events did you participate in?
I play on Team United under Steve Carcaterra and Ric Beardsley. In middle school, I played on the travel team under Dale Oehler and Joe Campbell.

In high school I have had three head coaches in four years. Jim Barbieri, Reid Jackson and Andy Eastwood. During the summer for Team United I was coached by Dave Zoni. All of these men have influenced the way I play and love the game. I went to Maverik Showtime and Capital Challenge.

Any final thoughts?
Well, I definitely want to thank Steve Carcaterra, he encouraged me and pushed me to be the best I could be. Ric Beardsley and David Zoni, also of Team United, were awesome coaches and expected a lot from each of us.

If it were not for Dale Oehler, I would have never picked up a lacrosse stick, so I am grateful to him. And of course my parents, who worked hard and continue to work hard everyday to provide me the opportunities that have led me to this point. I am very grateful.

Have a recruiting commitment to report? Send an email to info@laxlessons.com, contact Joe Lombardi directly at joe@laxlessons.com or send a Tweet to @Joe_Lombardi or @LaxLessons.