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SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Sanu jersey retired at SBHS

By Ed Birch, Special Writer
   On Oct. 26, the South Brunswick High School Athletic Program honored Mohamed “Mo” Sanu, Vikings and Rutgers star football graduate and current third round draft choice-wide receiver from the NFL Cincinnati Bengals.
   Sanu attended the festivities during the Vikings football game against Sayreville due to the fact that it was the Bengals scheduled bye week.
   Sanu started the day’s festivities off by sitting in the stands, practically unnoticed, at Sayreville High School watching his nephew Mohamed play for the Freshman Vikings squad against the Sayreville Freshman team.
   The freshman squad emerged victorious 34-0 in that game.
   During the break between the first and second quarters Sanu acknowledged the Vikings crowd and signed autographs for the Vikings faithful.
   He arrived for the start of the varsity contest later that evening.
   He made his way to the Vikings sidelines early in the game and met with fans until the ceremonies started at halftime.
   The Vikings faithful formed a line stretching 30 deep at times to get autographs, pictures taken with him, and Rutgers jerseys signed by the NFL player and hometown hero.
   At halftime, Former Head Coach Rick Mantz and Athletic Director Elaine McGrath both praised the outstanding citizen and sportsman that Sanu has become throughout his career.
   Ms. Mc Grath and Principal Peter Varela spoke about how Sanu’s talents have brought national recognition to the school with his exposure to the country in his Rutgers and Bengals televised game broadcasts.
   The team of Mr. Varela, Ms. McGrath, and Mr. Mantz then unveiled a framed Vikings football jersey with a number “2” that was worn by Sanu, that will be displayed in the high school athletic showcase.
   Another copy of the jersey was unveiled and will hang from the lower section of the scoreboard overlooking the football field.
   Mr. Mantz then read letters of congratulations from former Rutgers Head Coach and current Tampa Bay Coach Greg Schiano, Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis, and current Rutgers Head Coach Kyle Flood.
   Sanu, brought to tears by the honor, spoke top the crowd of his sincere appreciation for the honor that he had received.
   He praised the school system, the athletic program, his past and current teammates, and the entire crowd for their support.
   His words to the football players were “never fall back on your dreams. You can do anything that you want to do if you have the desire and the willpower.”
   ”We are very proud of Mo,” Rutgers Coach Flood said prior to the event. “I couldn’t be happier for a player from Rutgers to receive this honor. Everything that Mo does is good, and he has a very high work ethic about him.”
   ”I remember him from my playing against him during my high school days (at Colonia High School) and he was always a gentleman after each game,” Former teammate and current Rutgers color commentator Eric LeGrand said. “I really feel great for him and I wish in my heart that I could be next to him for this honor. Please wish him the best from my family and myself. Mo has been a great supporter for me and my rehabilitation.”
   Broadcaster Chris Carlen called Sanu “the most dynamic player and person that I have ever worked with in my days at Rutgers. I put him in that same category as Ray Rice and Brian Leonard. There is no one better than Mo.”
   Mo was also able to catch the last plane out of Newark Airport before Hurricane Sandy struck the area.
   He was able to return home and participate in the Bengals first practice session after the bye week according to Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan.
   According to Brennan, “Mo has not stopped talking about the honor of having his high school jersey retired by South Brunswick New Jersey.”
   Sanu showed off his talent Nov. 11 against the New York Giants by making four receptions for 47 yards including an 11-yard touchdown catch, the first of his NFL career.