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Get caught up on the latest news right here, right now by visiting LaxLessons.com’s groundbreaking, imitated, but never duplicated Lacrosse Insider. It’s the No. 1 source and unparalleled leader for recruiting news, analysis and objective information in the NY/NJ/CT tristate hotspot and the entire lax galaxy, featuring nationally respected, award-winning multimedia news and sports director, manager, producer and editor Joe Lombardi, the author of the latest edition of “Lacrosse for Dummies.” Access Insider here.
Fall 2014 Signing Week coverage
Click here for LaxLessons Tristate Top 100 preseason player rankings
It takes many years to master the art of the faceoff.
That’s what makes Joe Neuman so special.
The freshman at Walt Whitman HS (NY) has done precisely that– and in record time.
That’s why the FOGO attracted recruiting attention from several of the nation’s top programs before deciding on Johns Hopkins, a decision first report when it was made last week by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
Despite his young age, the 5-foot-5, 147-pound Neuman, a righty, is extremely technically sound in the X and is a real dynamo on draws. You can see what we mean by watching some video of Neuman in action here.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Joe on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
It was a real tough decision because I saw a lot of great schools. I decided on Johns Hopkins University because I thought it would be a perfect fit for my family and I.
I really like (Hopkins Head) Coach (Dave) Pietramala. I enjoyed talking with him and getting to learn about the University.
I will also be getting an outstanding education from one of the top universities and I will get to play for the most historical lacrosse program in the country.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I was considering and I also visited UNC, Notre Dame, Duke, Syracuse, Loyola, Maryland, Bucknell, Ohio State and UPenn.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strengths as a player would be my hand quickness and I’m able to direct the ball to the places that I want. My style of play is to work hard and to control the X.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
I need to get a little quicker to groundballs.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I started playing lacrosse with the South Huntington PAL program. I loved the game from there on. I was the quarterback for my Middle School Football team. I had also enjoyed playing travel ice hockey for several years.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I am currently playing for the 2018 SweetLax Platinum team coached by Kevin Martin. I have attended in the summer of 2014 Jake Reed Nike Blue Chip and NXT Philly Showcase. In the fall of 2014 I attended the NXT Philly Freshman Showcase and the Legacy Showcase.
Any final thoughts and people you want to thank for helping you get to this point?
I would first like to thank Matt Schomburg of Fogo Lax. He has been a real inspirational role model for me. He has taught me many techniques so I can dominate the X and control the game. He has always said that you can always be a great lacrosse player but if you don’t have the grades in school, you will be going nowhere. I thank him so much for that. He has also been very supportive and helpful through the recruiting process.
Next, I would like to thank Coach Tom Kelly. I worked numerous hours with him and I have always looked up to him like an older brother. I would also like to thank Coach Kevin Martin from SweetLax. He has help with organizing and arranging talks with the college coaches along with setting college visits up.
I would also like to thank Mr. Martin (coach Kevin’s dad) for the sideline support. I also want to thank Walt Whitman High School Coach Bob Howell and the rest of the coaching staff for all their support. Finally, I would like to thank my family. They are the best. They have always believed in me and have been very supportive in everything I do.
Click here for LaxLessons Tristate Top 100 preseason player rankings
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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.
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Recruiting Rundown section
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2015
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2016
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2017
* Updated tristate recruiting commitment rundown for Class of 2018
* Recruiting commitment story archive
* 2014 National Letter of Intent Fall Signing Week story/photo archive
* 2012 National Letter of Intent Fall Signing Week story/photo archive
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Lacrosse Insider: Tristate Class of 2014 commitments by college
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Lacrosse Insider: Tristate Class of 2016 commitments by college
Lacrosse Insider: Tristate Class of 2017 commitments by college
Lacrosse Insider: Tristate Class of 2018 commitments by college
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Posted In: Long Island lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown, Section 11
