O'Hara's Huf to play at Naval Academy

The atmosphere before, during, and after Saturday's Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field convinced Cardinal O'Hara football standout Mike Huf that he had to be part of the annual festivities.

Huf, a middle linebacker and tight end for the Lions, has orally committed to the United States Naval Academy.

"A lot of benefits come with it, like the guarantee of a job when I'm done," Huf said. "And I have so much respect for everyone there. To be among them is going to be a great honor."

In attending the Naval Academy, Huf, of Drexel Hill, is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, John Witt, and uncle, Dan Witt, a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, N.Y, and a lieutenant commander select. "I respect them so much," the 18-year-old said.

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior, a two-way starter for O'Hara, took an unofficial visit to Annapolis to watch the Midshipmen play Temple in a 27-24 Owls win on Oct. 31. At Navy, he is projected to play inside linebacker.

"He's a very competitive kid, a great leader, and a very hard-nosed football player," O'Hara coach Danny Algeo said.

While helping the Lions to an 8-3 record, Huf earned first-team all-Catholic League Class AAAA honors as a linebacker and was a second-team pick as a tight end.