Recruiting Roundup: NJ LB Robert Snead On His Unofficial Visit
April 19, 2017

The UConn football program hosted a number of high profile recruits during Saturday's second scrimmage of spring ball. One name that is rising on not just regional recruiting lists, but is now gaining national interest is Queen of Peace (North Arlington, NJ) outside linebacker Robert Snead. Once an under the radar talent, it's clear he was overlooked due to an injury suffered during his junior season. 

Quietly, Snead had a great year. How great? He finished the season with a team-high 46 tackles. Even more, he was a nuisance in opposing team's backfields.

Tackles for loss? How about twenty-nine?

Sacks? Eight. 

Statistically, that's a great year by any stretch for an entire season. Snead did all that in just four games as a fractured foot caused him to miss the majority of the year. Overlooked no more due to an online marketing campaign spearheaded by Snead himself, he's gained publicity, a following and the support of fellow football stars in and around the New Jersey area that are also talking on his behalf. Utilizing his highlight tape, catch phrases and being himself, Snead has just begun to see interest in him peak. There he was on the UConn sideline on Saturday and all indications point to him coming away very impressed with what he saw.

"It was great," Snead said on Tuesday. "I was impressed by the campus atmosphere and the team looked like they are on the rise. I've been hearing a lot about Coach Edsall and know that he won a lot here and now that he's back, there are big things ahead for the program."

The overall campus also stood out to Snead during the trip, surprised at how updated it was. LB Coach Jon Wholley is Snead's main recruiter throughout the entire process. He didn't get a chance to meet with Edsall, but liked what he saw in the intensity level of the scrimmage and overall practice. 

With the numbers he put up in limited time, it's apparent that Snead gets into the backfield with ease. You might see the phrase, 'SACK MACHINE' if you wander onto social media, used to describe his game and others have picked up on that as well. 

"If you watch my film, you would quickly understand I am always in the other teams backfield getting at the quarterback or recording tackles for loss," he said. "I pride myself on being disruptive. Teams know I'm coming, but can't stop me."

What makes it so easy for him?

"My first step is really hard to stop," Snead said. "When the center snaps the ball, a lot of times I'm already two steps into the offensive line before they can adjust."

The 6' 2" linebacker values the time he missed and credits that for the opportunities he now has.  

"It really was a blessing," he said. "It was hard work, but all I did was show myself how I'm always training and looking to improve my overall talent. I feel that's what was missing because nobody got to see the player I was. Now they know. The people I met along the way are great. They are so supportive and so many want to see me be successful, no matter what school I play for. In a way, God blessed me with my talent and the support from my family and coaches. That makes it even better. Of course I wish I didn't get hurt, but it's going to work out in the end."

In Storrs this past Saturday, Snead will continue with unofficial visits down south this weekend at both Georgia and Alabama, before hitting Arkansas State on his way back to Jersey. He has an entire list of what he's looking for in an ideal school. 

"Comfort with the coaching staff, how they play defense, academics, the overall campus and my comfort at the school," he said. "That all will determine where I decide to spend the next four years of my career." 

Snead sees himself in the role of a current NFL star. 

"I'm projected as an outside linebacker," he said. "I can set the edge, pass rush and cover. I feel like I can play the position like a Von Miller type. As I get bigger, maybe a shift to defensive end would be possible." 

Snead doesn't have a timetable for a final decision, but will make sure he does the due diligence to vet each school he's interested in. He doesn't want to be a player that commits, changes his mind and commits somewhere else. Once he makes a decision, he's going to stick with it. 

"I don't have a time line at this point, but when I do commit, that will be it," Snead confirmed. "I want to give this process and the school I choose my full dedication."

MATT SCHONVISKY / SITE CREATOR