Fields, Podorsky and Crowder commit to schools
Two baseball players commit to UL-Monroe
Brandon Fields found himself a home in the St. Michael the Archangel backfield last fall.
Fields played receiver and took snaps at quarterback in selected situations. An injury to Dash Duncan then made Fields, who previously prepped at University and McKinley, the starting signal caller for the final three games.
Now the senior-to-be has a collegiate home, committing to New York-based Fordham University.
“Just knowing there was a university that wanted me to be their quarterback and leader on the field was important for me,” Fields said. “And Fordham is also one of the best colleges in the nation, so I’ll also be getting a quality education to go with football.”
Fields is one of three local athletics who committed to colleges in recent days. Two baseball players, Dutchtown infielder Robbie Podorsky and Zachary pitcher Trent Crowder, both committed to the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
While Fields, the son of former U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, will have to wait to February to sign, Podorsky and Crowder are expected to sign during the NCAA’s early signing period in November.
Fields also had scholarship offers from Tulane, Grambling and Southern, said St. Michael coach Eric Held. Washington State, Air Force, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Southeastern Louisiana University and Nicholls State also expressed serious interest in the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Fields.
As a junior, Fields ran for 327 yards and seven touchdowns. He also completed 41-of-74 passes for 550 yards and six TDs.
“The vast majority of schools were interested in him (Fields) as an athlete, where he would play slot receiver or in the secondary,” Held said. “Brandon’s goal, for a long time, has been to play quarterback at the next level.
“He’s improved so much since last year. Being a starter now and taking most of the snaps has a lot to do with that. Last year and at the other schools he was splitting time at quarterback.”
Fields also becomes the second local player bound for Fordham, a Football Championship Subdivision school which has three campuses in the New York City area.
McKinley offensive lineman Garrick Mayweather signed with Fordham in February.
Podorsky and Crowder were among the area’s notable baseball juniors last spring. Crowder was 9-0 for District 4-5A champion Zachary last spring, finishing with a 1.93 earned run average. The right-hander also had a scholarship offer from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, said ZHS coach Jesse Cassard.
Podorsky hit .523 in 20 games with four doubles and 12 stolen bases for a Dutchtown team that won the District 5-5A title and advanced to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s Class 5A tournament.