The wait is over.
Jalen Berger — a 2019 JSZ Zoneman Finalist and the consensus No. 1 ranked player in New Jersey’s Class of 2020 — has officially announced his commitment to Wisconsin.
Berger made his decision official during the NBC broadcast of the 2020 All-American Bowl from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday afternoon.
His announcement caps off a remarkable high school career for a player who was a national recruit courted by most, if not all, of college football’s elite programs.
Watch Jalen Berger’s 2019 Highlight Reel HERE
The Wisconsin to New Jersey connection is clear. Former Salem High School and South Jersey star running back Jonathan Taylor spent the last three seasons in Madison, putting together one of the best collegiate careers in NCAA history. Taylor was recently named an All-American and Doak Walker Award winner for the second consecutive season.
He picked the Badgers over LSU, Penn State, Rutgers, UCLA, Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon and many others.
The six-foot, 190-pound Newark native was a dynamic and dominant offensive player in his four-year varsity tenure at perennial North Jersey powerhouse Don Bosco Prep. Although he’s officially listed as a running back, the Ironmen offensive staff used Berger in a multitude of formations. On any given down, he could be found in the backfield, lined up in the slot, cast out wide or even in the shotgun taking a snap.
His prowess on the gridiron translated to eye-popping numbers in his senior season. He accounted for 1,081 rushing yards, 338 receiving and 18 total touchdowns while leading his team to the Non-Public Group 4 state championship at MetLife Stadium.
Berger headlined New Jersey’s representation at the 2020 All-American Bowl. Joining him were St. Joe’s (Mont.) OL Luke Wypler (Ohio State); St. Peter’s Prep LB Cody Simon (Ohio State); Bergen Catholic DB Jordan Morant (Michigan) and Delran DB RJ Moten (Michigan).
Berger was one of six finalists for JSZ’s Zoneman Trophy given to the top high school football player in New Jersey:
