David Abunaw III, Midfielder, Hall High School

Class: 2013

Commitment: Hartford

Despite playing without a club team last fall, David Abunaw III managed to do enough on his high school team to attract the eye of a local program, recently committing to nearby Hartford.

The versatile midfielder, who possesses good passing and vision skills in the middle of the field, is achieving a lifelong goal with his decision.

“Playing Division 1 men's soccer has always been a dream of mine,” Abunaw told TopDrawerSoccer.com. “I think the America East is a strong conference where I will have the opportunity to excel in the future. Although the coaching staff will be focused on getting results, I know that they will not forget about me as an individual and will help with my development.”

The son of parents from Cameroon, Abunaw also has higher aspirations, hoping that if his development continues, he’ll be able to represent the African nation at the U20 level in the near future.

From his visits to the soccer program and campus, he felt like this next step would also help him reach that other goal.

“I liked the way Hartford approached the game of soccer and the style they try to play,” he said. “I got a great sense of this at the two clinics I attended. I also really liked the positive attitude of Coach Tom Poitras and Assistant Coach Mike Kulas and their vision for the program’s future.”

Last but not least, the school itself isn’t too far from where he lives now, making it an easy commute. His mother is also an English professor there, providing him a steeply discounted education, which was icing on the cake for him.

Other commitments:

Riley Grant, a forward from Internationals (Ohio), committed to Akron for the class of 2013.

Forward Alex Ramos, from NJSA 04, committed to Iona College(m) for the class of 2013.

Clearwater Chargers U18 defender Jeffrey George committed to East Tennessee State for the class of 2013.

CASL Chelsea FC U18 forward Thomas Labriola committed to Appalachian State for 2013.

BW Gottschee Academy defender Ansel Ueshiro committed to NJIT for the class of 2013.