Holy Spirit’s Sarnese headed to Villanova

Joe Sarnese, a senior wide receiver at Holy Spirit has continued the South Jersey pipeline to Villanova.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Sarnese is the third South Jersey player to commit this summer to Villanova, the defending football Championship Subdivision champion. Sarnese joins Pemberton defensive end Reggie Paris and Williamstown offensive lineman Vince Kowalski.

"I saw it was a good fit for me," Sarnese said. "It was close, the program fits me and I liked the campus and everything about the school."

Sarnese said he also had scholarship offers from Central Michigan and Western Michigan.

In addition to starring at wide receiver, Sarnese plays free safety for Holy Spirt, which is expected to contend for the No. 1 spot in South Jersey this year after going 8-3 last season.

In 2009, Sarnese had 23 receptions for 462 yards and three touchdowns in earning first-team all-Cape Atlantic League National Conference honors.

"I think it's pretty cool that so many from South Jersey are attending Villanova," Sarnese said.

Sarnese, who lives in Vetnor City, said that current Villanova freshman quarterback Dustin Thomas of St. Augustine is a neighbor. Thomas was one of five players from the seven-county South Jersey area to sign with Villanova in February.

In addition, Villanova all-American wide receiver Matt Szczur of Lower Cape May, was one of nine players who graduated from South Jersey high schools on last year's national championship team.

Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225 or mnarducci@phillynews.com