By JOHN LOHN, jlohn@delcotimes.com
Jeff Matteis going to be an Ivy Leaguer.

An All-Delco defensive end from Haverford High, Matteis recently committed to play for Brown University, selecting the Rhode Island school over Holy Cross. Matteis, who received a significant financial-aid package, can sign a letter of intent Wednesday, the first day of the national signing period.
Matteis? decision to attend Brown makes it back-to-back years in which
Haverford coach Joe Gallagher has sent one of his players to the school. Last year, it was offensive lineman Brian Ellixson who decided to play for Brown coach Phil Estes. The Bears posted a 5-5 record in 2007 and last won the Ivy League championship in 2005. ?I really liked the people and the diversity of the school,? Matteis said, referring to his recruiting trip. ?You can really learn from being around different types of people and that?s something I?m going to get the chance to do. Brown also has
an open curriculum, so I?ll be able to take the courses I?m interested in.? Matteis was a driving force for the Fords last fall, helping Haverford to its best season since the 1995 squad captured the Central League championship. Matteis? play on the defensive line and at fullback helped the Fords to an eight-win season and to the program?s first trip to the District One Class AAAA playoffs. Haverford dropped a first-round decision to Central Bucks South. Brown plans to use Matteis as a defensive end, where he excelled as a pass-rusher and run-stopper at the scholastic level. The 6-3, 235-pounder registered more than 70 tackles and was a second-team All-State selection in Class AAAA. ?From Day One, they?re going to give me a shot,? Matteis said. ?I?m going to have to pay my dues and work as hard as I can. I?m glad (the recruiting process) is over after all these months. I?m excited about the future.?