4-star TE KJ Duff sets commitment date and is down to two schools

KJ Duff saw his recruitment take off earlier this year. The four-star tight end out of Riverhead (N.Y.) St. Anthony’s has over 20 offers and after visiting a long list of schools over the last few months, he has narrowed it down to two.

“I am down to North Carolina and Rutgers,” Duff told On3. “Rutgers has been in the mix for the last 18 months or so, so they were on me early. They were one of the first Power 5 school to offer me. North Carolina came in, in March. Since then, they have come hard after me. I really like the coaches at both schools, both have stayed in touch and I like how both have recruited me.”

A decision will come a little earlier than the No. 281 prospect in the On300 originally thought. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound will announce his decision later this month.

“I was always aiming for a decision in the middle of July, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought June would be best. Some of the college coaches I have talked to thought me announcing a little earlier could impact others and cause a chain reaction for their school.

“I am now planning to commit on June 29. I am going to keep talking with my family about and have a decision between North Carolina and Rutgers soon. The process has been a little overwhelming, but I know I am getting close to making my decision.”

Syracuse was at one time the favorite for Duff and he has a hard time eliminating the Orange. Miami is another school he liked a lot. Rutgers is now trending according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

Duff talks North Carolina and Rutgers

NORTH CAROLINA: “I really like coach Freddie Kitchens. He was at my school twice during the spring evaluation period. He was in constant contact and he has NFL experience, so that stands out too. I also like Mack Brown a lot. He is so involved and he cares about his players. Then I have the chance to play in the ACC against some top athletes and again good competition.”

RUTGERS: “Rutgers really wants to feature me in their offense. They like me as a big wide receiver and that intrigues me. I know a lot of the coaches and it starts with Coach Scott Vallone (support staff). He went to my high school and we have a great relationship. Then you have Coach Dave Brock, Coach Kirk Ciarrocca and some others that I have built strong relationships. It is about the connections I have with coaches at Rutgers and the opportunities I see if I went there.”