Joe Mele

2024

Football

Joe Mele was the defensive cornerstone of Manasquan's historic three-year championship dynasty. As a three-year starting linebacker, he was on the field for three consecutive New Jersey State Championship seasons from 2000 to 2002, accumulating over 300 career tackles in the process.

His senior season was dominant: 142 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions, 7 pass break-ups, and 5 forced fumbles — a performance that earned him All-State All Groups 2nd Team and All-State Group 2 1st Team honors on defense, along with 1st Team All-Shore, 1st Team All-County, and 1st Team All-Conference recognition.

Mele's college career continued at the University of Illinois, where he earned a full athletic scholarship. His junior season also featured 110 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and All-County 2nd Team recognition — confirming his development as one of the finest defensive players in Shore Conference history.

300+ career tackles anchoring three consecutive State Championship teams — then a full scholarship to Illinois.

Profile Highlights

Class of 2003
3-Year Starting Linebacker — 3 Consecutive State Championships (2000, 2001, 2002)
300+ career tackles
Senior stats: 142 tackles, 29 TFL, 5 INT, 7 PBU, 5 forced fumbles
Senior honors: All-State All Groups 2nd Team; All-State Group 2 1st Team
Senior honors: All-Shore 1st Team; All-County 1st Team; All-Conference 1st Team
Full Football Scholarship — University of Illinois