East Orange Campus HS defensive end Keneek Tomlinson is North Defensive Most Valuable Player at New Jersey North-South Football Classic

Keneek Tomlinson (No. 66) in action during the North-South Classic on Monday night, June 27.
Keneek Tomlinson (No. 66) in action during the North-South Classic on Monday night, June 27. Photo by Steve Ellmore.

EAST ORANGE (updated Tuesday June 28, 3:05 p.m.) – East Orange Campus High School recent graduate Keneek Tomlinson was named North All-Star Defensive Most Valuable Player in leading the North All-Stars to a 7-0 win over the South All-Stars in the 38th annual Phil Simms New Jersey North-South High School Senior All-Star Classic on Monday night, June 27, at Kean University in Union.

Tomlinson, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound defensive end, recorded three sacks, a blocked field-goal attempt and numerous tackles to help the North team post the shutout. Tomlinson last week committed to Monmouth University to continue his football career on an athletic scholarship this fall.

It marks Tomlinson’s second All-Star MVP honor this month. He was named the East All-Star team Defensive MVP in the 23rd annual Paul Robeson High School All-Star Classic on June 13 at Paul Robeson Stadium in East Orange.

Tomlinson was elated about being named the North Defensive MVP.

“It was a dream come true,” said Tomlinson in a phone interview on Tuesday, June 28. “I was focused on the first snap of the game. That was my goal.”

Tomlinson also said it was privilege to play with and against the best in the state. “It was a hard and long game,” he said. “I just did what I had to do.”

Tomlinson plans on majoring in criminal justice at Monmouth. He hopes to play in the NFL and be the next Von Miller, the Denver Broncos outside linebacker who was the Super Bowl MVP this past February.