La Salle lineman Garrett Zobel pledges to Villanova

La Salle's Garrett Zobel, an imposing two-way lineman, has committed to play football at Villanova.

"There are several things that factored into my decision," the 6-foot-3, 280-pound senior said. "I like Villanova's academic reputation, the coaching staff, and the school being close to home."

With his aggressive play in the trenches, Zobel has helped La Salle to a 5-1 start this season. The Explorers are 3-0 in the Catholic League Red Division entering Saturday afternoon's contest against Roman Catholic.

Zobel, a Hatfield resident who is projected to play defensive tackle or end at the next level, also seriously considered Delaware and Richmond. Army, Ball State, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale were likewise in the mix for the top-notch student.

Zobel first met Villanova head coach Mark Ferrante when Ferrante, then an assistant under ex-Wildcats boss Andy Talley, was at La Salle for a football clinic prior to Zobel's freshman season. "He's an outstanding coach," the 17-year-old said. "I know I'm going to learn a lot from him and his assistants."

Zobel, who was a first-team all-Catholic pick on defense last season, plans to major in business in college.