20 Shore football alums making their mark with Division I college programs

You’ve seen them here on the high school stage and now Shore Conference football alums are making their mark at the next level.

From Power 4 schools (ACC, SEC, Big 10, Big 12) to the FCS conferences, the Shore has produced talent that has gone on to help programs at all levels. Here’s a sampling with more to come:

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The junior running back from Toms River North is on pace to have his best season for the Cardinal this fall. He’s already matched his career-high of four touchdowns for a season. Ford has been a bright spot in Stanford’s 2-2 start. He sits just outside the top 10 in the ACC at No. 11 in rushing yards with 257 on 66 carries. Stanford will face Wake Forest on Saturday at 12 p.m.

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The true freshman and 6-5 offensive lineman from Donovan Catholic has already provided contribution on the front line for the Fighting Illini, including playing against No. 5 Ohio State this past week. He’s played in every game so far this season. Illinois is currently 2-2, 0-1 in the Big Ten, and plays Purdue Saturday at noon.

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The freshman saw the field in the season opener for the currently 16th-ranked Bulldogs against University of Louisiana–Monroe. Matthews is a 6-6 offensive lineman that played at Toms River North. The Bulldogs have a big SEC game against No. 7 Alabama this Saturday.

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The 2022 Asbury Park Press All-Shore offensive lineman – a Point Pleasant Borough grad and USF transfer – has started in four games so far in his senior year. The Tigers will face No. 17 Tennessee this Saturday.

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The Old Bridge native played at Red Bank Catholic and is now a senior for the Bears. So far this season he’s caught 3 passes for 13 yards. He’s also returned 2 punts for 35 yards.

The current senior and Middletown North grad has a total of two tackles so far for the Crimson. Harvard is 2-0.

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Williams from Long Branch High School already has an interception and a forced fumble for Wagner this season as a defensive back. He has a total of 20 tackles and one pass defense.

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The senior from Long Branch has been a legit option on offense this season for the Seahawks. The 6-2 running back has 18 carries for 53 yards and 4 catches for 16 yards.

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The Ocean Township graduate from Neptune has three total tackles and a recovered fumble so far in his senior season.

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The Ocean Township grad has caught five passes for 16 yards as a tight end for 3-2 Monmouth University. The 6-2 redshirt junior has played in all five games.

Though his birthplace is in Salem County, the junior played high school ball at Red Bank Catholic. This season he’s been helping his team on the defensive line with 10 total tackles, including two sacks.

The redshirt sophomore from Toms River North has started every game on the offensive line for Stony Brook so far this season. The Seawolves are 3-2.

The Mountain Hawks sit at the top of the Patriot League with a perfect 5-0 overall record and Portella has played a factor in it. The junior and defensive lineman from Red Bank Catholic has 6 total tackles, 5 of them solo, and 1 pass defense so far this season.

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The 6-2 linebacker from Wall Township has already played in all five games this season as a freshman. He recorded a solo tackle against FBS school Central Michigan. He had two tackles against Holy Cross. His team is 4-1 overall and 3-1 in the conference.

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The offensive lineman and sophomore from Rumson-Fair Haven started in the season opener against Holy Cross.

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The sophomore wideout from Asbury Park recorded a catch for nine yards against Louisville earlier this month.

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The freshman linebacker from Brick Memorial has appeared in three games this season for Sacred Heart.

The senior tight end played at the Hun School but is from Colts Neck originally has two catches and scored his first career touchdown Sept. 19 against Bucknell.

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The senior offensive lineman has appeared in two games for the Lions. He played high school at Matawan.