RallyNorth.net

Gloucester's Enderle headed to D-2 AIC

Thursday, April, 24 By Nick Curcuru
Staff writer

After finishing his senior campaign averaging more than 13 yards per carry and helping lead his team to a Division 2A Super Bowl victory, Anthony Enderle seems more than ready to take his game to the collegiate level.

Sure enough, the 6-foot-1, 255-pound fullback will indeed be taking his game to the next level when he suits up for Division 2 American International College in Springfield this fall. More times than not, Enderle was one of the most physically intimidating players on the field during his time at Gloucester High School. But perhaps the biggest adjustment Enderle will have to make at college is not being the biggest player on the field.

"It's going to be a little different playing against guys my size," Enderle joked.

Looking at his high school resume, it shouldn't be too much of a problem for Enderle. Last fall he ran for 869 yards on just 65 carries. His best performance came when the stakes were the highest in the Division 2A Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium. In the Fishermen's 41-0 trouncing of Hingham, Enderle ran for 128 yards on six carries, good for more than 21 yards a pop. If that were not enough, Enderle is also a Northeastern Conference All-Star, a Shriner's All-Star and a member of the Super 26 All-State team.

"Anthony will be able to run the football at that level," Gloucester football coach Paul Ingram said. "AIC is a good fit for him, they are a very competitive team."

Enderle was drawn to AIC for their criminal justice program. He plans to major in criminal justice and has aspirations of being a state trooper. According to Enderle, he will also be receiving an unspecified financial scholarship package.

While confident in his abilities, Enderle knows he needs to work harder than he has ever worked.

"The competition is going to be bigger, older and tougher," Enderle said. "I really have to work hard, I have been running and lifting every day to get ready for camp, which starts August 6."

Enderle will be playing fullback and running back for the Yellow Jackets. The bruising back hopes to be a staple in the team's Power I formation. To go along with Enderle's bruising running style, is an equally punishing blocking style. It does not matter if it's a linebacker or a defensive end, Enderle is going to come with a full head of steam.

"Anthony's blocking is what sets him apart from other backs," Ingram said. "There are a lot of backs that are talented runners, but there are not many who take just as much pride in their blocking like Anthony does. His blocking skill will be a big asset in college."

One of the biggest transitions for a high school player coming into college is grasping a new system. Enderle has been running the wing-t offense his entire career and will now have to learn a whole new brand of football. While there may be a transition period, Ingram believes Enderle won't have any problems in that area.

"He might need some time to get used to a new system but every freshman has the same problems," Ingram said. "The older players come in with an advantage knowing the system, but Anthony is smart enough to handle it. The wing-t is a complex offense and Anthony was great in it."

All in all, Enderle is excited to be playing football at the collegiate level.

"I can't wait to get started," Enderle said. "I have been working hard and getting ready, my goal is to get playing time my freshman season."