Tigers bag four-star linebacker

When it comes to recruiting, Ivy League schools are said to be at a disadvantage because they are unable to offer television exposure and a well-worn path to the pros. Occasionally, however, a student-athlete comes along who shuns the national powerhouses, opting instead for the academic rigors that lie behind FitzRandolph Gate. Jonathan Meyers is one of those rare student-athletes.

A two-sport star in football and lacrosse at Greenwich High School in Greenwich, Conn., Meyers received interest from premier programs like Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Penn State. Until giving his verbal commitment to Princeton in December, Meyers was leaning toward Florida, the 2006 Bowl Championship Series national champion.

For Meyers, deciding where to matriculate has taken quite some time.

"It was a very well-thought-out decision," the six-foot, two-inch, 220-pound high school senior said. "I've been doing the recruiting thing for two years now, and I've been all over the country to different schools ... I came down to the decision towards the end to consider Princeton."

At Greenwich, Meyers was the star of the school's talented football team, which finished the 2007 season with a 12-1 record. Meyers played both fullback and linebacker for the Cardinals, finishing his junior season with 23 touchdowns and 127 tackles. Regarding where he lines up next season, Meyers expressed a slight preference for playing on the defensive side of the ball.

"It's pretty open, but I'm leaning towards linebacker," Meyers, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds, said. "It's something I have a really big passion for that's really fun on defense ... You don't know what to expect — it's just really exciting."

That Meyers would be able to continue his lacrosse career at Princeton also played a large role in his selecting the Tigers.

"I came to Princeton for a recruiting weekend in December, and I just loved it," Meyers said. "I thought that it was a better option for me and more of what I was looking for in a college. I'd be able to play football, but I'd also be able to play lacrosse."

The high school senior has played both close defense and long pole during his time at Greenwich but is leaning toward playing the former upon joining the Tiger lacrosse team. He'd join fellow recruits goalie Tyler Fiorito and defenseman Chad Weidmeier to form what is expected to be a formidable Princeton defense.

"Meyers is a big, strong, athletic defenseman who brings a tough defensive mindset as well as a physical presence to a defensive unit," senior goalie Alex Hewitt said. "I played with him this summer, and his athleticism is what stood out the most and I think he will make a strong contribution to the team."

Along with lacrosse, academics played a crucial role in Meyers' decision. The two-sport star has maintained a 4.4 weighted GPA at Greenwich and opted for Princeton in large part because it offered him unique opportunities in the classroom.

"It's something different from those other big-time schools," Meyers said. "It has a lot more stuff to offer in terms of education and the lacrosse aspect."

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Despite his interest in academics and lacrosse, Meyers is still focused on returning the Tiger football team to the top of the Ivy League after a disappointing 2007 campaign.

"Princeton won the Ivy League two years ago, so it's not like we're in a place that's foreign to championships," he said. "I know we'll get back into it — it's one of my goals, and I know it's one of the coaching staff's and the team's."

Meyers is expected to play a big part in improving the Tigers' 4-6 record from this past season.

"I know myself and all the linebackers are very excited Meyers has committed to Princeton," sophomore linebacker John Callahan said. "He is a great addition for the linebackers and should be a great help."

Though his anticipated arrival at Princeton has received significant attention, Meyers recognizes that nothing will be handed to him.

"I'm definitely going to try and compete for a starting spot in both sports," he said. "I'm looking to come in. There's nothing guaranteed right now."

Perhaps the greatest challenge for Meyers will be balancing his schoolwork with both lacrosse and football. It is expected that the Princeton coaches will do their best to accommodate him, coordinating the team lifts as much as possible.

In spite of the uncertainty that lies ahead, Meyers is looking forward to his time at Princeton.

"It's such a great atmosphere," he said. "The ability to play both sports, it'll just be a great opportunity, and I'm just going to make the most of it. I could say I know what to expect, but I really have no idea."