Montvale (N.J.) St. Joseph's has long been regarded as one of the top high school football programs in New Jersey. The UConn Huskies recently got word that they will have an addition to their Class of 2012 from St. Joseph's, as tight end James Horan has decided to accept a preferred walk-on position.

Horan first explained how his preferred walk-on position first came about.

"After the season Coach Nunzio and Coach Falato came up to me and talked about what my aspirations were for playing at the next level," said Horan. "I explained to them that I want to play at the highest level I can. Coach DeLeone came down to school and met with me a few times and invited me to the campus to get a tour."

The visit to UConn was all Horan needed to make his decision.

"I fell in love with the campus and especially the football facility," said Horan. "I talked to a few of the coaches and they treated me as if I was a scholarship player and they told me how I would have an equal shot at playing like anyone else would."

Horan, 6-foot-4 and 235-pounds, was recruited as a tight end by the Huskies.

"I lost quite a bit of weight during the season so now I'm trying to put it back on," said Horan. "Getting to 255-pounds is the goal, which I see no problem getting to."

While at the end Horan chose UConn, he did have a few other options.

"I also had a chance to walk-on at schools such as Utah State and Purdue, but I was mainly talking to Central Connecticut State and Sacred Heart," said Horan.

Finally, Horan discussed his senior season at St. Joseph's (Montvale).

"It went great," he said. "I was originally going to play defensive line, like I did my junior year, but they needed a right offensive tackle. Coach told me it was the best thing for the team and I did it. I couldn't have asked for a better season."

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