Matthias Lighten had a huge impact on both sides of the ball during his football tenure at Moore Catholic. His four-year varsity career came to a close last November and naturally, questions on whether he’d be on offense or defense when he hits the collegiate ranks arose.
Does he have a preference?
“I’d love to play on both sides,’’ laughed the defensive back/wide receiver despite the fact he knows it’s not a common occurrence in college. “I would love it.’’
Whether that becomes a reality or not remains to be seen. For now, you can bet your bottom dollar Army offensive coordinator Cody Worley and defensive coordinator Nate Woody are stating their cases on why Lighten should be under their wing with head coach Jeff Monken.
Lighten, who believes it’s possible to play on both sides, recently committed to attending the highly prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, the Advance/SILIve.com has learned.
The 18-year-old Lighten said the recruitment process picked up significantly last spring and after narrowing his choices down to West Point, Buffalo and Rhode Island over the summer, he ultimately decided Army was the place for him. Playing Division 1 football was always on his wish list.
“It’s everything I’ve always dreamt of as a kid,’’ said Lighten. “It’s not (the University of) Alabama, but I am blessed to be going to West Point and to be playing Division 1 football. I’m looking forward to the challenge.’’
Lighten said Army first contacted him and after visiting the campus last April with his mother (Aneesah), he immediately received an offer. Lighten, meanwhile, thought enough of West Point to bring his dad (Mark) back for a visit in June and when the summer was complete, he made his choice.
“I loved the school and loved the campus,’’ he said. “I love the lifestyle of it. The place is huge and I like that it’s not too far from home. My family will be able to come up on game day.
“It just seems like the perfect…
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