LaVey and former Derry U20 goalkeeper Jack Scullion have become football's latest GAA recruits, signing with New Jersey college team Rutgers as kickers.
The 21-year-old's signing was confirmed by the university's social media accounts earlier today.
Scallion will be based in New Jersey and will earn a scholarship after linking up with coach Tad Reeder, who guided Charlie Smith's rapid development from playing at Down to joining the New Orleans Saints in the NFL.
Jack Scullion attended an open session held by Reeder earlier this year, after which the coach posted a video of a LaVey player kicking on social media in early May.
This caught the attention of Rutgers University, which decided to recruit Scallion and offer him a scholarship contract for at least two years with the possibility of extending it further.
He replaces Jude McAtamney, who hails from Swatra, just nine miles away.
He left Rutgers in April after signing with the NFL's New York Giants.
McAtamney was Rutgers' kicker in the Big Ten Conference, making 12 of 16 field goal attempts and setting the school record for touchbacks over his final two years.
Rutgers University plays in the Big Ten Conference, which is home to some of the best college football teams.
Home games are played in front of a sellout crowd of 52,500 fans, while away games have been played in front of 80,000 spectators.
The fact that he signed directly with Rutgers University will simplify his path to the NFL.
McAtamney played one year of Division II football before signing with Rutgers University.
Scullion played for Derry Under-20 and also had a brief stint with the senior team under manager Rory Gallagher.
Lavie’s championship campaign in Delhi begins the weekend of August 4, while Scullion’s first official American football game against Rutgers comes three and a half weeks later on August 29, hosting Howard University.
