Aug. 25, 2009

Center Valley, Pa.--Four Patriot League men's soccer players were listed among College Soccer News' "Top 100 Incoming Freshmen. Included on the list were Bucknell defender Jermaine Jarrett, Bucknell forward Josh Plump, Colgate midfielder Mike Reidy and Lafayette forward Kyle Scharfenberg.

Jarrett was the captain of the Jamaican U15 and U16 National Teams, and also played on the U17 and U20 National Teams. He came to the United States to attend high school at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Conn., where he became an all-state and All-New England player. As team captain, Jarrett helped Hotchkiss to the 2008 New England Prep School title. He also played for the Rye Rovers club team.

One of the most decorated players to enter the Bucknell program, Plump was an ESPN RISE Magazine Honorable Mention All-American, an NSCAA High School Boys Regional All-American and the Star Ledger New Jersey Player of the Year in 2008. Plump also earned first team all-state and Essex County Player of the Year honors after leading Millburn High to the New Jersey Group 3 state championship last year. The team finished the year 23-2 and ranked No. 3 in the state, helped greatly by Plump's 27 goals and eight assists. Plump also played club soccer for the Match Fit Chelsea U18 Academy Team along with fellow Bison recruit Brendan Burgdorf.

A native of Ohio, Scharfenberg is the second Leopard in the past three years to earn a spot on the list, joining current junior B.J. Glenn who earned the honor in 2007. Scharfenberg was named the 2008 Player of the Year by the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association and was a NSCAA All-America selection. He led his Sylvania Northview squad to its first-ever state title game and was a two-time All-State and two-time regional All-America selectionA National Honor Society member at Sylvania Northview, Scharfenberg left as the school record holder in goals (55) and points (96). He plays club soccer for the Cleveland Internationals of the U.S. Developmental Academy.

Reidy joins the Raiders after a standout career at Webster Thomas High School in Webster, N.Y. He was an All-Region and All-State performer for the Titans. Reidy was tabbed an NSCAA High School All-American as a senior. He finished his career with 56 goals.

All four players will commence their college careers on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Bucknell will begin the season at home against La Salle. Colgate will host Long Island University. Lafayette opens the regular season at Rider.