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He runs a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash, squats 415 pounds and bench presses 245.

If it sounds like Ryan Berning is a college football prospect, it’s because he is.

The 6-foot, 180-pound senior at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati (shown at right in both photos above), in fact, had 17 tackles from his safety position in an October, 2012 win over Elder High School.

But at age 14, something happened that changed all that.

Berning discovered lacrosse.

The athleticism and hard-nosed style of play evident on the gridiron (and in his highlight reel) also made him an appealing target of several Division I men’s lacrosse programs. So too did his 4.0 grade-point average.

It’s result in Berning committing to join the newly launched Division I program at the University of Richmond, a decision first reported on Twitter.com/joe_lombardi.

It’s quite a story.

Now, here’s a Q&A with Ryan on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision?
I am so confident in my decision to play at the University of Richmond.  The campus is beautiful and in an awesome area of the country.

I will have the opportunity to play for one of the best coaches in the country in Dan Chemotti, who just won the national championship (as an assistant coach) at Loyola. I feel he truly knows what it takes to win and make UR a powerhouse fast.

One of the biggest reasons for me, though, is that I will have the opportunity to play at the highest level of Division I lacrosse, while also getting one of the best educations in the country.  Richmond’s business program is second to none.  I am very excited and blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this program.

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I highly considered Bellarmine University and the Air Force Academy.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I’ve always relied on my athletic ability with my hard-nosed style of play.  I’d say my strengths are my footwork, and just my sheer desire to win.

How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I picked up a stick for the first time when I was 14.

Growing up I pretty much played every sport, and it wasn’t until these past few years that lacrosse became one of my main sports.

I play football and lacrosse currently at my high school.

Who have been some of the biggest influences on you during your development as a player?
Throughout my life, my four older brothers have always been the ones pushing me to be the best athlete I can be. But I’d say it has been my teammates and coaches that have influenced me the most.

My high school coach (Nate Sprong) was the one who gave me a chance and has continued to push me to be the player I can be.  He is one of the biggest reasons I have been blessed with this opportunity at Richmond.

What travel team did you play on and what were some of the big showcase events you participated in last summer?
I never played on any sort of summer lacrosse or traveling team due to my commitment to my high school football team.  My football career and film actually played a big role in my being recruited.

* For more info on Ryan, including his highlight reel, check out his player profile by clicking here.

Have a recruiting commitment to report? Email us at info@laxlessons.com.

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