Jason Clas is taking his football talents to Staten Island.
The Bethlehem Central High School senior accepted a full scholarship Friday to play for Wagner University, a member of the Northeast Conference in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision.
`It’s a lot of emotions, I guess,` said Clas. `I feel happiness, and I feel a little bit of relief because it’s over and I can focus on everything else again.`
Clas recently visited the Wagner campus, and he knew it was where he wanted to be.
`The campus was great, and the people were great,` said Clas.
Wagner was only one of two Division I FCS schools to show interest in Clas. He said he received a call from retiring University at Albany head coach Bob Ford at one point, but that was it. The remaining schools on Clas’ list were Division III programs.
`The first time I talked to (Wagner), they said they were pretty much going to offer me (a scholarship),` said Clas.
Clas had a solid season for the Bethlehem football team this past fall, as he rushed for more than 800 yards and nine touchdowns. He also was a steady contributor at defensive end for the Eagles, who finished with a 3-6 record.
Clas, who was also used as a tight end during his high school career, said he will be playing a variety of roles for Wagner.
`I was used pretty much all over the place in high school, and I expect that to happen in college, too,` said Clas. `I’ll play at tight end, but I’ll also be moving around to halfback.`
Shaker offensive lineman Nick Griffin also received a full scholarship to Wagner over the weekend, which means the two former Section II Class AA rivals will be teammates.
`He could be blocking with me, and he could be blocking for me,` said Clas.
Clas still has to finish his senior season with the Bethlehem boys basketball team, which is sitting in fourth place in the Suburban Council South Division with a 4-7 record (5-8 overall). After that, he said he plans to prepare for his first FCS season with Wagner.
`I think the competition is going to be great — both the competition on the team (for starting positions) and the competition within the league,` said Clas.