Sep 22, 2012; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks fans cheer during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Rutgers defeated Arkansas 35-26. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Arkansas Razorback recruiting analysis Richard Davenport (WholeHogSports.com) reported earlier this week that 2012 linebacker signee Vin Ascolese maybe cleared by the NCAA Clearing House in time to enroll for the spring semester.
Ascolese, from North Bergen, New Jersey, was a 2011 Parade and Semper Fidelis All-American along with earning First-Team All-State honors yet still not ranked within the states top players by Rivals.com. Perhaps one of the most underrated players in the country, Ascolese only received a two-star ranking by Rivals.
His 2011 Bruins team won the state title 14-13 against Montclair in the North 1 Group 4 championship game. Montclair would later appeal the loss to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association claiming the Bruins legendary coach Vincent Ascolese recruited two of the team’s better players. Montclair won the ruling in June thus vacating the 2011 championship.
Ascolese gained fame among Arkansas fans via Twitter for his candid nature and unabashed love for the Razorbacks. He took his enthusiasm as an Arkansas signee to another level writing the poem “The Razorback”, seen below.
According to Davneport, Ascolese’s case is getting pushed forward after help from New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez and the University of Arkansas filing an appeal on his behalf. Ascolese’s case is to be reviewed by the NCAA on Jan. 2.
Ascolese was one of three linebackers signed by the Hogs as part of their 2012 recruiting class; Otha Peters and A.J. Turner. Turner and Peters earned Freshman All-SEC honors playing for injured linebackers Alonzo Highsmith, Tank Wright, and Terrell Williams this season.
The Razorback
The player who won’t ever think of giving up
The player who will give his heart to his team
The player that will do anything for his team to win
The player who believes no obstacle is too big
The player who will work when no one else wants to
The player who will fight to the death for his team
The player who will scratch till his fingers bleed for that extra inch
Cause you see, a Razorback is a player who is ruthless, a player who
Won’t think twice about ending the competition’s life on that field
A Razorback is someone who has balls of steel and will run
Through a brick wall for his coaches and teammates.
It takes a special person to be a Razorback, not just anyone can be one
A Razorback is a warrior, a believer, a savage, a go getter
And a WINNER, When a Razorback sets his or her mind to something
You better watch out, because we will achieve it and get it done.
This here ladies and gentlemen separates The Razorback from the
Rest of the world, Together we cannot and won’t be stopped.
WOO PIG SOOIE!
By Vin Ascolese