Jerome Washington, a 6-5, 255-pound tight end from Gattaca (Trenton, N.J.), has committed to the Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes after receiving an offer, Monday.

“I talked to my coach and my mom and I just felt it was the right decision at this point,” said Washington, who will arrive on campus in January as a mid-year enrollee. “I really like the system that they run, offensively, and I think it’s the best fit for me.”

Washington, who was recruited by Miami tight ends coach Larry Scott to play tight end, resides in Elizabeth, N.J., but played his high school football at "a small boarding school on Long Island called Stony Brook."

Although a qualifier out of high school, he didn't have many options as his grades were marginal and his high school team wasn't highly-recruited.

Washington would receive a full scholarship to St. Frances University (Loretto, Pa.) while in the 12th grade, but held out for an opportunity to eventually play at in-state Rutgers. However, an offer from the Scarlet Knights would never come.

Washington's aspirations led him to The Gunnery, a prep school in Washington, Conn., where he played one year before transferring to Mercer County Community College (West Windsor, N.J.) in 2014. While there this fall, he played football at Gattaca, a junior college-like club team, and had vast success, accumulating 24 receptions for 510 yards and eight TDs.

Washington, who had also been contacted recently by coaches from Alabama, Washington, Nebraska and Rutgers, is delighted to have the opportunity to play at the Division 1A level, after taking a long road to reach his goals.

“Honestly, I can’t even explain it with words,” said Washington. “It really feels like a dream come true.”

Washington will have four years to play four, after having used what equates to a red-shirt year at Gattaca.

Todderick Hunt may be reached at thunt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TodderickHunt. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.