After leading the state of Massachusetts in receptions (94), Lynn Classical in receiving yards (1,223), and scoring 14 touchdowns, John Nasky has officially committed to Pace University – a Division 2 program in New York.
Nasky is happy the recruiting process is over, adding it’s a “chip off my shoulder.”
“The recruiting process was a difficult time. Being new to the system, you’re looking for a place where you’re going to spend the next four years and it’s the next step of your life. It was a big process,” he said. “Now that I’m committed, it’s a weight off my shoulders, and I’m stronger now knowing I’m going to Pace.”
Feeling welcomed was a big thing for Nasky, and it was something that Pace head coach Andy Rondeau and the rest of the staff provided to secure the Rams standout.
“When I first met coach Rondeau at the camp, he welcomed me with open arms and treated me like I was one of his,” Nasky said. “When I took my official visit, I met everyone there and I felt like I was at a home where everyone welcomed me and treated me like a brother, regardless of whether they knew me or not.”
“So much love. It just had to be my school,” he added. “It felt too real and I felt like it was the best decision for me.”
Despite being one of the top football players in the area, college football wasn’t initially the dream.
“Truth be told… I grew up playing basketball. My older brothers played basketball, so it was in me to continue,” said Nasky, who also recorded 43 tackles and three interceptions last fall. “But when my mom signed me up for football, all that changed.”
What made him realize his passion for football? The Patriots’ 28-3 Super Bowl comeback against Atlanta. Nasky said, after that game, he “looked at football differently.”
And he had a senior season to remember, one the Rams finished 6-5 in.
“I feel like I completed a good season. I was able to play with my brothers and family. All summer long, I worked so hard to be the best player I could be,” he said. “All my work was put into the field. I just went out there knowing I put the work in.”
When asked what he’s looking forward to when he gets on campus, Nasky made his intentions clear.
He wants to become the number one wide receiver.
“One of the goals I have is to be the best guy in my position. When I’m there running routes, I want to be the number one receiver. I don’t care that I’m a freshman. I want to show everyone what I can do and be the number one option,” Nasky said.
As for how that gets accomplished, he plans on “mentally preparing myself.”
“College football is physical, but it’s also very mental. You have to have a strong mindset to play four quarters of football,” Nasky said. “Next year, I’m going to be the youngest and don’t have the college experience yet, so I need to have a strong mindset.”
“I’m looking forward to getting my name out there – that I can really do this. Growing up, I wasn’t looked at as a good player, so going to the next level, I want to show everyone that I can compete and play with these guys,” Nasky said. “I just want to show everyone that I’m good enough. I’m a dog. I can compete with the best.”
Although he’s all but wrapped up at Manning Field, Nasky couldn’t have had better words for the impact Lynn Classical and coach Brian Vaughan had on him.
“I came to Classical my sophomore year from a charter school. It was a big jump, but coach Vaughan saw an athlete he could take under his wing and develop… There is so much love there from him,” Nasky said. “Being at Classical is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It was the greatest change of my life. I was shown what hard work was. Coach Vaughn broke me down and built me up. I appreciate him and all the Classical staff and coaches who showed me that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Regardless of if I was a good player or not, as long as I worked hard, I’d be a great athlete.”
As for Nasky’s family members, they were – and are – “proud and happy.”
“All they wanted for me was to find a passion and something I liked. So when I found football, they were very supportive and with me every step of the way. Whether it was for an award or a win on game day, they showed so much love,” Nasky said. “When I committed, I received so much love and support – it was like nothing before.”
