Richard Denny has never wavered on the priorities for his college football future.
Denny wanted a school that put education, the program’s pride and culture and life after football first.
The Einstein (Md.) defensive end always had an interest in service academies. And after multiple visits to West Point including the most recent on March 16, Denny was ready to end his college recruiting.
Denny committed to Army wide receivers coach Aaron Smith, his recruiter, and defensive line coach Sean Cronin, his position coach, Friday.
“I felt comfortable committing early,” Denny said. “I prayed on it and slept on it for days and my father and mother supported it. Obviously, I won’t play football forever so I need to know how (the college) can set me up once I am not playing sports.”
Denny was recruited and offered by both Army and Navy. But, it was Army that always had the upper hand since Denny’s youth.
“Army took the cake because I felt the pride and the culture of winning was more important,” Denny said. “I’ve always seen myself as a person in the Army, never imagined myself in the Navy.
“When you’re a kid, you always see the Navy sailors in submariners, ships and flying planes. And, then, the Army are the ones that run tanks, are the infantrymen. The idea of running artillery or being an infantrymen always enticed me more.”
Army offered Denny two days after his first visit for the Holy Cross game last November. Denny, who is 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, is being recruited as an edge rusher. Army’s defense fits Denny’s athleticism and is a similar scheme that Einstein runs.
“I can play coverage or rush the passer or stop the run,” Denny said.
Denny posted his commitment on social media with the words, “Don’t Tell Me The Sky Is The Limit, When There Is Footsteps On The Moon.” He promised “to West Point and its staff and fans, that my full potential will be unlocked while playing football and learning at the school” in the post.
“I’m a creative person who just wants to help other people and give back by the grace of God,” Denny said. “I love my country and I love the culture of my country.”
