No Offseason Rest for South Jersey’s Best Athletes

While high school graduation offers a brief recess from competition, some of South Jersey's best athletes are proving there's really no break during the offseason.

Dozens of the area's best are planning for the next stage of their academic and athletic careers, which begins in just a few months for the graduating class of 2013. FoxSports' recruiting analyst Sam Hellman leads off with some of the latest college signings (including new faces at Michigan State, Temple and Rutgers), and reveals some of the local products that could break out in 2014 here in South Jersey.

One local standout is already on his way up to "Linebacker U." Brandon Bell is wasting no time getting into his offseason regiment with the Nittany Lions, hoping to make an impact during his first semester at University Park. We asked the Oakcrest graduate about his decision to attend Penn State this fall, and the lofty goals he's already setting for his freshman campaign.

Another talented local football product is heading a little further south to continue his athletic career at a prominent service academy. Listen in to find out how St. Augustine Prep's Calvin Cass is following in his father's footsteps, and why his commitment extends well beyond the football field.

After playing basketball for years under his father, Tom Feraco will also have a new home this fall. He's set to become one of the newest members of the Arcadia University family, a "bittersweet" transition for the Middle Township graduate. Listen in for some of his favorite memories, playing for a man who he calls much more than a father, a coach and a best friend.

While basketball all-star Julia Duggan may be leaving South Jersey, she won't be too far from one of her best friends, on and off the court. The Ocean City graduate breaks down her quick transition to Rider University, and the potential for going toe-to-toe with former Cape-Atlantic League rival Kristine Miller at the college level.

And while dozens of high school graduates are leaving their legacies behind, a new group of talented young athletes is ready to earn their place in the local spotlight. Temple University commit and returning Absegami senior David Hood is already preparing for the fall, and the chance to become a Class of 2014 standout on the football field. Find out why he says he's ready for the increased workload as the Braves feature back, and why the team has the potential to surprise some doubters in the Cape-Atlantic League.

Listen to this week's show:

Brian Broomell, General Manager at Boardwalk Honda

Sam Hellman, FoxSports recruiting analyst

Dylan Jenks, Southern Regional lacrosse

Julia Duggan, Ocean City graduate & basketball standout

Calvin Cass, St. Augustine Prep graduate & football standout

David Hood, Absegami running back & returning senior

Tom Feraco, Middle Township graduate & basketball standout

Brandon Bell, Oakcrest graduate & football standout

It’s all right here, on The South Jersey Sports Report. Listen every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on 97.3 ESPN-FM or 973espn.com, and catch the expanded edition every Thursday night from 6-7 p.m.

Follow Tyler Donohue on Twitter @TDsTake