For Brentwood SC standout Will Cross, the hardest part of his college recruiting process wasn’t saying ‘yes’ to one program; it was saying ‘no’ to all the others.

Cross enjoyed a comprehensive search over the past year, taking college visits and speaking to a large group of schools that included: Northwestern, Amherst, Stanford, Harvard, Memphis, Cornell and Colgate.

That’s a lot of cordial phone conversations; a lot of handshakes … a lot of relationships.

“It was tough to turn all those coaches down, especially after developing relationships with them over a few months,” Cross said. “But then again, I was rejected by a few schools I was interested in as well. It was really sort of a roller coaster ride with lots of ups and downs.”

At the end of the ride, the one program that wasn’t turned down by Cross was Brown, where he’ll be heading in 2012.

Cross, a forward, is the No. 79 ranked player in the 2012 class Top 100. He’s a strong player who can play facing or with his back to the goal. He holds the ball well and is able to fend off challenges and draw fouls.

Off the field, Cross also happens to be a grounded person with a good deal of perspective.

He said he’s most looking forward to joining the Brown squad because he enjoys representing his school.

“Recently I’ve notice that it’s more fun to play for my high school team just because I’m representing my school and so many friends,” he said. “Playing in college will offer the same thing, as well as great competition. “

Joining Cross in this week’s commitment headlines are the following players:

Gregory Antognoli (Cal Odyssey) has verbally committed to Cornell for the 2012 season. Antognoli is ranked No. 6 in the Northern California & Hawaii Region. He’s got great size and strength and can impact the college game at forward.

Jason Lesch (Sockers FC) has verbally committed to Bradley for the 2012 season. Lesch is No. 15 in the Midwest Region.

Brice Colcombe (PWSI) has verbally committed to George Mason for the 2012 season.

Kyle Parker (Charlotte Soccer Academy) has verbally committed to Charlotte for the 2012 season.

Steven Machi (Internationals SC) has verbally committed to High Point for the 2012 season.

Andrew Brown (Sporting KC) has verbally committed to Bradley for the 2012 season.

Joe Morales (Colorado Rush) has verbally committed to Bradley for the 2012 season. Morales is No. 20 in the Rocky Mountains & Southwest Region.

Aaron Thompson (San Gabriel Valley Soccer Club) has verbally committed to San Diego State for the 2012 season.

Tyler Cruikshank has verbally committed to Loyola-Chicago for the 2012 season.
Cruikshank is No. 4 in the Heartland Region.

Pat Shelton (Clearwater SC) has verbally committed to High Point for the 2012 season.

Kevin Roberts (Richmond Strikers) has verbally committed to George Mason for the 2012 season. Roberts is No. 11 in the Mid Atlantic Region.