Recruiting: Army commit Matthias Lighten ready to make impact

Matthias Lighten last visited West Point in April but Army football has remained near the top of his college list.

Lighten narrowed his choices down to Army, Toledo and Buffalo. The Moore Catholic (N.Y.) cornerback was ready to make his decision on the Fourth of July. Lighten called Army linebackers coach John Loose with his verbal commitment to the Black Knights.

“Out of the three schools, Army has the best education, which is a big factor in why I chose Army,” Lighten said. “Also, they play the best football so I get the best of both worlds.”

Another factor was Lighten, a Plainfield (N.J.) resident, playing closer to home so his family can watch him. Lighten’s parents, Mark and Aneesah, and his uncle, Naadir Mack, were instrumental in his recruiting.

“Family members would take days off work to take me on visits,” said Lighten, who was also offered by Bowling Green. “Whether it be mom, dad or my uncle, they all played a role in my recruitment.”

Army is recruiting Lighten as a cornerback but he is training to play in the secondary and wide receiver.

“Playing wide receiver may come down the line,” said Lighten, who runs track and wants to play basketball his senior year. “Wherever they need me, I will play.”