High School Quarterback Signs with University of Rhode Island

Craig Cicardo Jr., a senior at Lacey Township High School, has signed to play football at the University of Rhode Island (URI) in the fall.

“Craig Jr. worked extremely hard at the game as well as his overall conditioning,” coach Lou Vircillo said. “He did everything he could possibly do to ensure his teams success.”

Vircillo credits the combination of Craig and his father Craig Cicardo Sr., for installing the University of Florida’s offense “Lacey style,” which helped lead the team to an undefeated season and a state championship in 2010.

Cicardo Jr. threw 16 touchdown passes and rushed for 18 more en route to becoming the second-leading scorer in Lacey's 30-year history.

The quarterback was named First Team All-Shore and All-South Jersey. He was also named All-County Player of the Year in the Star Ledger, New Jersey Coaches Top 100 Team, and the All-Shore Scholar Team.

Cicardo Jr. maintained a 4.37 GPA, is a member of the schools National Honor Society and has served his student government as treasurer.

Cicardo Sr. played quarterback for Vircillo in 1982 and 1983 and became an assistant coach at Lacey Township High School in 2005.

“His presence over the last six seasons has made it a pleasure to coach. He rounded out my staff and gave me the 'right arm' that brings a good football staff up to the level of a great football staff,” Vircillo said.

While Cicardo Sr. was a head coach at Mater Dei and then Pinelands, Vircillo travelled with him to the University of Notre Dame during spring football sessions.

Cicardo Sr. had a great desire to learn the game, Vircillo said as he watched Cicardo Sr. develop as an offensive coach.

Once Cicardo Sr. was on board, they installed the Florida offense, which the pair of coaches observed and studied under Urban Meyer, former head coach of the University of Florida.

“The fact that the younger Craig would become the Lion quarterback for the last three seasons was a bonus,” Vircillo said. “The two Cicardos would get to work at the game morning, noon and night giving the Lacey offense a big edge.”

Cicardo Jr. received a Merit Scholarship at URI and plans to study finance.

Cicardo Jr. and Sr. did not immediately return calls for comment.