It’s a down year for talent in the state, both with the number of elite prospects and the overall number of high-major prospects, but there are still some very good players to be recruited.

The glamour positions of quarterback and wide receiver are severely lacking, and there are no elite offensive linemen or linebackers, but there is an excellent running back which is a rarity in the state, three excellent cornerbacks, and a slew of exciting pass rushers.

As always, the final rankings are my own, but only after talking to many high school coaches, college scouts, and independent scouts, such as Joe Butler of Metro Index Scouting.

1. Ben Koyack, Oil City HS (Oil City) TE – It’s not often that a tight end is the best player in the state, but there is little doubt that will be the case this year. At 6′5″ and 230 pounds, he has good size with a frame to get even bigger. He also possesses great hands to go along with good speed and athleticism. More of a threat as a receiver but is a willing and good blocker. Most of all, he just knows how to play football. Committed to NOTRE DAME over Penn State, Pittsburgh, Ohio State, Oklahoma, West Virginia, LSU, California, Virginia Tech, USC, and many others. Bottom line – A perfect fit for new coach Brian Kelly and there’s no reason why he can’t be a star at the college level.

2. Jameel Poteat, Bishop McDevitt HS (Harrisburg) RB – At 5′10″ and 195 pounds, you would think he may have trouble being an every down back, but that’s not the case due to his solid body, tough inside running, and blocking ability. But to show what a versatile talent he is, he also has great feet, good quickness and speed, and excellent hands. Has over 40 offers and considers Pittsburgh (where cousin Hank Poteat played), Rutgers, Notre Dame, and Cincinnati to be four of his final ten. The other six will come from a list of West Virginia, Wisconsin, USC, Washington, Tennessee, Boston College and Florida. Bottom line – Has it all except great size, but he offsets that will his vast array of skills.

3. Dondi Kirby, Gateway HS (Monroeville) CB/S – Terry Smith’s Gateway Gators are no strangers to the list as they produce multiple top prospects every season. At 6′2″ and 190 pounds, Kirby’s size, especially his height, is in the elite category for the position. His athleticism and quickness are excellent and could be enough to stay at the position, but if not, he could always be an excellent safety, or even a wide receiver. His impressive offer list includes Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Ohio State, Michigan, USC, Florida, Wisconsin and Iowa. Bottom line – Big athletes that can legitimately play cornerback are a rarity, but the fact that Kirby has that chance makes him highly coveted. Even if he can’t pull it off he should be a quality player at a different position.

4. Terrell Chestnut, Pottsgrove HS (Pottstown) CB – Solidly built and tough at 5′10 1/2″ and 185 pounds. Plays quarterback for Pottsgrove so he is inexperienced as a corner, but he has the elite athleticism, speed, and football skills to make the transition. Also can project as a dangerous punt returner. Offers include Pittsburgh, Penn State, West Virginia, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, LSU, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina and Rutgers. Bottom line – Will have to learn the position, but his ideal speed and athleticism could eventually make him a quality corner and game breaking punt returner.

5. Kyshoen Jarrett, East Stroudsburg HS (East Stroudsburg) CB – Solidly built at 5′11″ and 180 pounds. Cover corner with excellent speed and athleticism but is well-rounded with the ability to come up strong against the run. A true corner who knows how to play the position. Offers include Pittsburgh, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Stanford and Virginia. Bottom line – Pretty even with Chestnut as a prospect and has what it takes to be a successful player at the next level.

6. Mike Caputo, West Allegheny HS (Imperial) S/LB – Became a WPIAL legend as a junior by going toe to toe with rival Rushel Shell, Hopewell’s ‘12 phenom, and by ending the season with over 2,600 yards and 38 touchdowns. Currently at 6′1″ and 200 pounds, Caputo has the speed and athleticism to play safety, but could also add some weight and play linebacker. Offers include Pittsburgh, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Cincinnati. Bottom line – A real western PA football player and class kid. The kind of player that every school wants in their program because he will be great both on and off the field.

7. Deion Barnes, Northeast HS (Philadelphia) DE – As we’ve said many times before, kids inside the city of Philadelphia often get under recruited, and that’s the case this time with Barnes. At 6′4″ and 220 pounds, he obviously needs to get much bigger, but he has the frame to do so. On the plus side, his arms are extremely long, his quickness on the pass rush is topnotch, and he is already strong for how lean he is. He is also tough against the run and closes just as fast on a running back as he does on a quarterback. Offers include Penn State, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Georgia, Louisville and South Carolina. Bottom line – Pass rushers, especially fast ones with long arms, are highly coveted, and it’s a shame that he does not have more than a dozen offers.

8. Ejuan Price, Woodland Hills HS (Pittsburgh) LB – One of the more undervalued and underpublicized top prospects in the state this season, but one look at his film will show anybody that he is a big time player. Not big at 6′0″ 220, but he makes up for it with his elite level quickness and aggressiveness. Against both the run or the pass, he fires across the line of scrimmage like a rocket. Currently holds offers from Pittsburgh, Ohio State, West Virginia, Michigan State, Syracuse and Iowa. Bottom line – Many schools may not look at him because of his size, but that’s their mistake. As current 5′11″ Pitt (and former top 5 prospect from Penn Hills) starting middle linebacker Dan Mason proves, when you’re good, you don’t have to be over 6′ tall to be an excellent college linebacker.

9. Branden Jackson, McKeesport Area HS (McKeesport) DE – Another rangy 6′4″ 220 pounder with great quickness. Plays middle linebacker for the Tigers but with his great length and quickness, he will likely be a speed rusher at the college level. Skinny and needs to add a lot of muscle, but once he adds the weight, he could be a big time player. Offers include West Virginia, Michigan, Michigan State, Rutgers, Texas Tech, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Louisville, Iowa and Virginia, among others. Bottom line – One of a handful of potential big time pass rushers coming out of the state this year.

10. Delvon Simmons, McKeesport Area HS (McKeesport) DT – Jackson’s partner in crime and every bit as good. Raw, but at 6′5″ and 265 pounds, he has the natural size, speed, and athleticism to be turned into a potential college star some day. Offers include Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Maryland, Connecticut, Louisville and Rutgers, among others. Bottom line – McKeesport always has a tough defense, but rarely have they had such a potentially dominating duo as Simmons and Jackson.

11. Desimon Green, Clairton HS (Clairton) DE – Class A power Clairton may be a small school but they are a power that routinely sends top prospects to top colleges. This year they may have their best prospect in many years in the 6′4″ 220 sack artist. A man among boys in Class A, Green has used his great length and speed over his sophomore and junior seasons to accumulate an amazing 50 sacks. Also an effective quarterback, and has some offers for that position, but his destiny is on the defensive line. Local school Pittsburgh may be the favorite, but Texas Tech is a sleeper. Both have offered as have West Virginia, Michigan, Michigan State, Illinois, Purdue, Cincinnati, Louisville, Syracuse and half of the MAC schools. Bottom line – Once he gets bigger, the sky is the limit due to his excellent length and speed.

12. Quinton Jefferson, Woodland Hills HS (Pittsburgh) DE – The third of the three excellent WPIAL defensive end prospects this year, but he’s only third on the list because somebody has to be. At 6′3″ and 225 pounds, he is in the same size range as the other top DE prospects in the state, and he also has the same explosiveness off the edge. Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Boston College, Wisconsin, Maryland, Iowa and Cincinnati are among his offers. Bottom line – It’s the year of the pass rusher in the state and Jefferson has the potential to be as good as any of them.

13. Ben Kline, Dallastown Area HS (Dallastown) LB – Solid, blue collar middle linebacker with decent 6′2″ 220 pound size, good strength, and topnotch intangibles. Should get bigger and stronger, and then become a very good run stopper in the middle of the defense. Chose PITTSBURGH over West Virginia, Michigan, Boston College, UConn, Rutgers, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Illinois, and Duke. Bottom line – Physically, he is not at the elite level at any aspect of his game, but he is above average at everything. Combine that with his toughness and intangibles and you have a future quality starter in college.

14. Kevin Reihner, Scranton Prep (Scranton) OG – It’s a poor year for offensive linemen in the state, but this tough brawler would be near the top of the list in any year. At 6′3″ and 275 pounds, he will need to add size, but he is an extremely brutal and aggressive run blocker that goes all out until the whistle blows. He even once blocked a defensive lineman 30 yards until both ended up in the end zone. Father was an offensive lineman for both Penn State and the Houston Oilers. Excellent student who wants to be a doctor. Chose STANFORD over Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Rutgers, Syracuse, Minnesota, Northwestern, and North Carolina State. Bottom line- A brawler with brains and you can’t ask for two better traits in a guard.

15. Shawn Oakman, Penn Wood HS (Lansdowne) DE – Yet another defensive end, but at 6′8″ and 240 pounds he isn’t exactly cut from the same cloth. Needless to say, his height is at the elite level, and the only concern is if he has stopped growing yet. Muscular, but can put on another 30-40 pounds easily. A mid-major basketball prospect with offers from Temple and LaSalle, but his quickness is only adequate. Football offers include Penn State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, North Carolina State and UConn. Bottom line – You can’t teach 6′8″ so schools are going to be tempted to see what they can do with him, if he decides to play football.

16. Armstead Williams, Gateway HS (Monroeville) LB – Once again Terry Smith puts multiple players near the top of the list, this time with the 6′2″ 200 pound Williams. Quick and fast enough to play wide receiver for the Gators, and he could play at that position at the next level, but more than likely he will end up on the defensive side of the ball. Must get stronger and more physical if he does stay on defense. Offers include Michigan, Boston College, Illinois, Maryland, Louisville, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Purdue and North Carolina State. Bottom line – Has the makings of a very athletic and quick college linebacker.

17. Paul Gaughan, Dunmore HS (Dunmore) OT – Great size at 6′6″ 280, plus he has the frame to add more. Moves very well for his size and could possibly pan out on the left side. Excellent student with a 3.7 GPA. Has offers from Boston College, Michigan, Wisconsin, Stanford, Maryland, Illinois, Syracuse and Northwestern among others. Bottom line – Has the natural size and intelligence that schools covet for the position, especially if he proves that he can make it at left tackle.

18. Jordan Kerner, Fairview HS (Fairview) DE – At 6′5″ he has great height for the position, plus the frame to add to his current 230 pounds. Strong with good straight line speed. Plays all out on every play and even excels on special teams by making tackles on kick and punt coverage, and blocking field goals. Could also end up at tight end. Has offers from West Virginia, Boston College, Rutgers, Iowa, Maryland and Minnesota. Bottom line – Good natural size combined with good athletic skills and all out hustle makes him intriguing.

19. Brandon Clemons, Delaware Valley, Delaware Valley HS (Milford) – OG/DT- Very raw, but at 6′4″ and 250 pounds he has the frame to get much bigger. If he can keep his speed and quickness then he could be a real find. Tore his meniscus in his knee last season but played through it. Had surgery in November and appears to be healthy now. Projects equally well on both sides of the ball. Has offers from Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Rutgers, Maryland, UConn and Boston College. Bottom line – Raw but physically impressive. Has a high ceiling.

20. Brandon Cottom, Council Rock North HS (Newtown) RB/LB – Physically imposing 6′2″ 230 pound beast who is athletic and fast enough to return punts and kicks last season (returning a few for touchdowns). Projects equally well on both sides of the ball but it looks like he may get a look at running back first. Smart kid who wants to be an airline pilot. Chose PURDUE over Cincinnati, Rutgers, Duke, Syracuse, Illinois, and Minnesota.

21. Dexter Bridge, Conestoga HS (Berwyn) WR – Under recruited athlete who has good 6′2″ 185 pound size, speed, athleticism, and leaping ability. Runs smooth routes and has good hands. Has only two offers, from Illinois and North Carolina State, but more should come his way eventually. Bottom line – May not be a star at the next level, but has all the tools to be an effective starter eventually.

22. Tyler Kroft, Downingtown East HS (Exton) TE – At 6′5″ and 220 pounds, he obviously will need a few years to add good weight, but he has the frame to do so. Once he does get the size, he has good speed, athleticism, and hands to go with it. More of a receiver in high school so blocking is something he will need to learn. Chose RUTGERS over West Virginia, Boston College, Virginia, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, Northwestern, and UConn. Bottom line- it will take a few years to get tight end size, learn to play the position, and to learn how to block, but eventually he could be a good college player.

23. Artie Rowell, Central Dauphin HS (Harrisburg) OG/C – At only 6′2″, he is limited to the interior line, but he is a solid, and well proportioned, 295 pounds. Very strong with quick feet. Chose PITTSBURGH over Northwestern and Temple. Bottom line- A solid prospect who should be able to play for the Panthers in the future.

24. Andrew Zeller, Red Lion Area HS (Red Lion) – One of the bigger surprises of this recruiting class as the 6′5″ 280 pound lineman was only 6′1″ and 220 pounds prior to last season. The best part is that he has kept his athleticism and speed. Has offers from Oregon, Rutgers, Maryland and Duke. Bottom line – Still a sleeper, but somebody may end up with a steal.

25. Lafayette Pitts, Woodland Hills HS (Pittsburgh) CB/RB – Not big at 5′10″ and 175 pounds, and he doesn’t possess elite speed or quickness, but he runs hard, is elusive, and knows how to play the game. Also an excellent special teams player, especially returning kicks and punts. Has offers from Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Maryland, Iowa and Illinois.

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WR Justin Scott (5-11, 205) of Camilla (GA) plans to announce his commitment Saturday at the state track meet. ScottWake Forest and South Carolina in the next two weeks. He has offers from the Gamecocks, Wake Forest, Louisville, Georgia, Georgia Tech, East Carolina, Stanford, Vanderbilt and Maryland.
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TE Drew Owens (6-5, 230) of Charlotte has decided to open his recruiting back up after narrowing things a little bit. He had South Carolina and North Carolina as his top two, but now he says there are no favorites. He’s doing this because he recently picked up offers from Louisville, Michigan, South Florida and Illinois. He also has offers from South Carolina, Clemson, North Carolina, N.C. State, Virginia Tech, Maryland, East Carolina, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Duke. He plans to have a new top five before this season and those will be his official visits.
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LB Marcquis Roberts (6-1, 205) of Powder Springs (GA) is still favoring South Carolina over offers from Wisconsin, Memphis and Louisville. Gamecock recruiter GA Mangus was in recently, along with recruiters from Florida State and Purdue. Mangus is expected back for his spring game Saturday. He doesn’t plan to make a decision until mid-season.
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DB Geraldo Orta (6-0 180) of Valdosta (GA) has landed offers from Clemson and South Carolina. Orta also has an offer from Tennessee and is also getting interest from North Carolina, Illinois, Central Florida, Georgia, Troy and Louisville. Right now he’s favoring Clemson over Auburn, Tennessee and North Carolina. Orta plays cornerback and safety.
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ATH Ronald Baines (6-1 180) of Voorhees (NJ) is still waiting on that first offer and will be attending camps from May through July to be evaluated by the coaches. One of his camp stops will be South Carolina in early June. Schools showing interest include USC, Temple, Penn State, Michigan, South Florida, Connecticut, Tennessee, Rutgers and Kentucky.
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NBE Sports has watched plenty of Penn Wood (PA) High School big man Shawn Oakman on the basketball court, where he is a Division I prospect at 6-foot-8, 240-pounds. However his future might be on the gridiron at the college level as a defensive end as Oakman is Up to Six Division 1-A Offers (PennLive.com) in football.

Oakman has received offers from Connecticut, North Carolina State, Penn State, Pitt, Rice, and South Carolina. Schools like Michigan, Purdue, Rutgers, Virginia and West Virginia have shown interest.
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Bowling Green, Illinois, Louisville, Memphis, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Syracuse, Texas Tech and West Virginia have all offered Desimon Green as Clairton’s Green is Up to 10 Offers (PennLive.com). Green doubles as both a quarterback and a defensive lineman for Clairton which has gone 30-2 the last two seasons. The 6’4, 215-pound senior-to-be had a productive junior season at quarterback, throwing for more than 1,500 yards and running for more than 800 yards, accounting for more than 20 total touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball he has been a dominant pass-rusher, accounting for more than 45 sacks the last two seasons.
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Dallastown’s Ben Kline has received scholarship offers from Boston College, UCONN, Maryland, Michigan, Pitt, Rutgers, Vanderbilt and West Virginia as WR/LB Kline is Up to 8 Offers (PennLive.com).
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Coach Chris Olsen and the Wayne Hills (NJ) Patriots are a traditional power in the football rich state of New Jersey. Their recent 37-0 win over Fair Lawn looks to have wrapped up the top seed in the North 1, Group 3 bracket in two weeks when playoff action begins. Wayne Hills has won six state sectional championships in seven years through 2008 and are the five-time defending champs of North 1 Group 3. The team has accumulated a 65-6 record during the seven seasons through 2008, not counting this season’s 7-1 mark.

This year’s squad is another state contender and with a one-two punch in the backfield featuring Trevor Jacobs, the nephew of NY Giant running back Brandon Jacobs, and junior Brian Dowling the patriots are running on all cylinders heading into the stretch run of of the season.

Dowling is a dual threat ou of the backfield running the football or catching passes from quarterback Mike Quinn. To date on the season, Dowling has gained 1,243 yards in total offense and scored 19 touchdowns, including three in their win over Fair Lawn.

“For our team, our goal is to get the top seed and win the state championship,” Dowling told NBE Sports recently.

On defense, Dowling also makes his presence felt, he has three interceptions and a forced fumble along with 23 tackles for Wayne Hills. His honor of ‘athlete of the week’ earlier in October has been the individual highlight of his campaign.

Excelling for a New Jersey High School power has also brought on plenty of recruiting attention for the 5-foot-11, 182-lb Dowling. He counts North Carolina State, Temple and Syracuse as the three schools actively pursuing him the hardest.

“I have been getting a lot of letters from North Carolina State, Temple, Penn State, Duke and Syracuse,” said Dowling. “I also have been invited to Syracuse and North Carolina State to see a game, I plan on visiting both.”

For now, recruiting can wait as the Wayne Hills Patriots have big goals to accomplish before the season is over. When that time comes, Dowling will have plenty of time to think about recruiting and his future. Still, as a member of the class of 2011, there is no rush, however, he does have an idea of what he will look for in a college other than a fit for football.

“When it comes to a choice at what college I’ll be attending, education comes first,” Dowling said. “I am looking for a school that is best fit for both me and my family.”

NBE Sports will continue to follow the Wayne Hills program and the recruitment of Brian Dowling in the future!

This past Friday night, the Neshaminy (PA) ‘Skins upended league rival Truman 28-8 to move to 4-1 overall in 2009 and even their Suburban One League record at 1-1 on the season. It was their 14th consecutive win over Truman and got the ‘Skins back on the winning track following their first loss of the season the week prior to Abington.

One major contributor to the ‘Skins success is 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior (2011) linebacker /fullback Corey Majors. Majors has been a force on both sides of the ball this season and had the athletic ability to play on either side. however, he wants to play linebacker in college and tells NBE Sports that is the position most colleges are also recruiting him for. Already, colleges are making him a priority in the 2011 class.

“Pitt offered,” Majors told NBE prior to Friday’s contest with Truman. “My favorites in order are, Rutgers , [Penn] State , Pitt and Boston College.”

Last year, Rutgers came into Neshaminy and signed TE Paul Carrezola, so the Scarlet Knights have a close tie to the Neshaminy High School program, and that has definitely paid dividends early on with their recruitment of Majors.

“Not sure when I will start visiting [schools] most likely after the season is over,” said Majors. “I really want to see Rutgers and Pitt.”

Majors also mentioned that Connecticut, North Carolina State and Syracuse are also recruiting him. for now, however, Major and his Neshaminy High School teamates have more pressing concerns, like winning the Suburban One League and moving into the states.

“My goal is, of course, make it to playoffs and possibly states as a team,” said Majors. “Personally, I do not want to ever be satisfied and continue to get better.”

Big East fans and east coast recruitniks alike should keep the name Carey Majors in mind over the next year, he just might be a player that will be competing in the Big East in the not-so-distant future.

“

“Yes, I commited,” Gloster told NBE Sports. “They have always been my favorite. I’ve built the strongest relationship with Coach Casteel (WVU LB coach) out of everyone who recruited me.”

Just last week, Gloster told NBE Sports he was looking over offers from 13 schools, including the Mountaineers as well as Michigan, Stanford, UNC, NC State, Iowa, Minnesota, Towson, Syracuse, Louisville, Wisconsin and Michigan State.

Gloster is one of the top college linebacker prospects in Maryland and stands 6-foot and weighs 220 pounds. He will now concentrate on his main goal for this season.

“My goal for this season is to win our conference championship,” said Gloster last weekend.

Gloster had visited Morgantown last spring and felt the time was right to make his decision.

“I felt very comfortable when I visited back in the spring time and the coaches showed me a lot of love,” said Gloster.
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Gause, a 6-foor-2, 215-lb junior (2011), does a little bit of everything for coach Eddie Long’s Kings. Those traits have brought plenty of recruiting attention his way as colleges are recruiting Gause as an athlete, with some liking him as a wide receiver, some as a running back and some as a linebacker on the defensive side of the ball.

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“Schools currently recruiting me are Michigan, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Oregon, Old Dominon, NC State, UNC, UCLA, Stanford, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Florida Gators, FSU, Duke, Virginia , VA Tech, Boston College, Maryland, Nebraska, Pitt, Louisville Cardinals, Rutgers, Alabama, Tennessee and USC,” Gause told NBE over the weekend. “The offers I have received are from University of Syracuse and Akron University.”

The Kings moved to 4-0 with an exciting 24-23 win over Canisius HS of Buffalo (NY) this past weekend.

“When we fell behind 23-18, but we kept our poise and fought hard with a great defensive stand,” said Guase of the win. “To win the game 24-23. I caught a 82-yard touchdown pass from Jake Meek to seal the victory. This has been the highlight of my season so far.”

photo courtesy of Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

“I understand what it takes to have success from your hard work,” Gause said. “I have talked to mentors like Roscoe Parrish, Cecil Martin, Roland Williams, Anothoy Jordan and Tony Collins, all former NFL players. These mentors shared and helped create impact in my life on and off the football field.”

Gause has taken the time to check out potential colleges, making unofficial visits to Rutgers, Notre Dame, Miami, Ohio State and Syracuse. More will come, but not until after the season as there is more work to be done on the field this fall.

“Our team mission is to lead by example, pushing each other to act like champions, play like champions and be champions,” he said. “By using this formula we can reach our team goal of winning a state championship.”

For fans of the Big East and college football, keep an eye on Quentin Gause in the recruiting process in the next year. He is a player that ‘gets it’ and will bring a tremendous lift on, and off, the field wherever he ends up.

“We are going to get everybody’s best games,” Pennypacker concluded following the game to the Pottsgrove Mercury.

In Friday’s win, Chestnut scored on a 14-yard run and connected with Angelo Berry on a 13-yard touchdown pass. The 5-foot-11 Chestnut plays QB for the Falcons and is getting a lot of college recruiting interest as an elite athlete.

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“Colleges are recruiting me as an athlete right now,” Chestnut told NBE Sports prior to Friday’s game. “The schools that are recruiting me [include] Penn State, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Villanova, Temple, Michigan, Florida State, Northwestern, Syracuse, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Notre Dame and other schools.”

Chestnut also added that West Virginia, Pitt, Rutgers and Villanova have already extended scholarship offers.

However, before he sinks his teeth into recruiting, Chestnut is focused on this season and helping those in their last go-round of high school football accomplish their goals.

“My plans for the season is to win a championship so our seniors can have something to remember,” said Chestnut.

With the hope of more highlights to come, even after the strong 4-0 start to the season, Chestnut speaks highly of the efforts of his teammates and sounds like a seasoned leader already.

“We still have a long way to go if we want to be good, and to be honest, the highlight of the season has been the work ethic from our players,” according to Chestnut, sounding like a future coach.

While the season ahead is currently on the mind of Terrell Chestnut, he has already put himself on the minds of college recruiters from around the country. The Pottsgrove (PA) athlete is one to keep in mind in the class of 2011 as Big East teams begin looking for future talent to add to their program.

“Our season hasn’t opened up yet but during the scrimmages we have done very well and I’m excited for this upcoming season,” Rigg told NBE Sports Tuesday night. “I expect for our team to return to the state championship game and compete for a title.”

The season starts with a bang Friday night as the 16-time state champion Crusaders meet Iona Prep at Giants Stadium. It was on that field that last season ended with a 34-13 championship game loss to Don Bosco Prep.

With a senior season about to begin, Rigg will focus most of his attention to bringing home a 17th state championship for Bergen Catholic. On the recruiting front, Rigg has three schools on his mind currently, and plans to make official visits to all three during the season.

“Right now I’m considering Iowa, West Virginia and Rutgers but if any other schools come into play I’ll give them a look,” said Rigg.
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Another linebacker in the class of 2010 getting a lot of recruiting attention is Beaufort (SC) High School’s Justin Parker. The athletic 6-foot-2, 230-lb senior has registered 28 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks and an interception through the first two weeks of the regular season helping the Eagles to a 2-0 start ahead of this weekend’s showdown with Fort Dorchester.

Friday’s game also marks senior night at BHS and Parker has big goals for his final high school season.

“I really don’t set personal goals but if I had to i would say that every time I step on the field I want my teammates to know I’m giving everything i got on every play,” Parker told NBE Sports Wednesday night. “As for the team win Region first and then worry about winning [the] state.”

As for his recruitment, it was reported in the state.com this week that Parker has offers from Georgia Tech, Nebraska, East Carolina, Mississippi State, South Florida, Colorado, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, N.C. State, Central Florida, Wake Forest and Maryland, in addition to the top local programs, Clemson and South Carolina, who form the top of his list.

“I’m still considering all schools that have offered,” said Parker. “Right now I would say my leader is Clemson. I took an unofficial visit to Clemson for their opener and I plan on going back up to Clemson as well as USC (South Carolina) and alot of other schools.”

Schools are primarily looking at Parker as a ‘mike’ backer to take advantage of his athletic ability and use him in space on the defensive side of the ball. While it looks like it will be very tough for a school to pull him out of his home state of South Carolina, NBE Sports will continue to follow his recruitment this season.
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Rock, a 6-foot-5, 245-lb junior (class of 2011) started off the season with a bang in the Stallions’ opening weekend 38-0 win over Gahanna (OH) Lincoln. Scouting reports from the game listed Rock as ‘unblockable’ as he anchors one of the best defensive units in the state.

After the easy win to start the season, things got tougher on the road in Youngstown against Cardinal Mooney in one of the most highly anticipated games of the Ohio high school season. The Cardinals held off St. Francis DeSales 21-14 in the first-even meeting between the two perennial state contenders. The Stallions entered the contest ranked #1 Division III football team. Despite the loss, Rock still has high hopes for the season.

“I want our team to do well against our tough schedule and make it to the playoffs and fight for a state championship,” said Rock who registered two sacks through the first two contests.

With colleges allowed to officially offer scholarships to players in the class of 2011, Rock has seen the interest from some of the top programs turn into offers.

“So far I have offers from Notre Dame, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Duke, Cincinnati and Akron,” Rock told NBE.

In addition to the game against Cardinal Mooney on Friday night, it was a busy football weekend for Rock as he headed to the ‘Big House’ on Saturday to take in Michigan’s season opening victory. Rock hopes “to take many more [visits] throughout the season” as well.

For now, college football fans should keep an eye on Chris Rock of St. Francis DeSales in Columbus (OH) on the football field. Unlike another Chris Rock you may have heard of, this one is not looking to make fans laugh, he is all business on the field.
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The state.com/GoGamecocks.com has their regular Monday Recruiting Notebook and while the newspaper concentrates on Clemson and South Carolina, once again there is plenty of Big East related recruiting notes to share. Here are those of Big East interest…
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Clemson and South Carolina have offered junior linebacker Stephone Anthony (6-3, 220) of Anson High in Wadesboro (SC). He has received early offers from Florida, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, N.C. State, Stanford, Maryland and Duke.
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South Carolina will get a visit from athlete Sherard Cadogan (6-3, 230) of Cherry Hill, N.J. Cadogan also will visit Wisconsin, West Virginia, Pittsburgh and Michigan. Pitt is out front because he has visited there several times.
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Irmo (SC) running back Mustafa Green (6-1, 202) plans to narrow his list soon. He said Florida, Alabama and Rutgers are three he will keep on his list along with Clemson and the Gamecocks.
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Defensive lineman Max Beaulieu (6-3, 235) of Fort Lauderdale has not decided on his official visits. He has offers from South Carolina, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Arkansas, Wake Forest, Tennessee, Purdue, Tulane, Buffalo, Syracuse, Colorado State, Toledo and Marshall.
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Beaufort (SC) linebacker Justin Parker (6-2, 225) was scheduled for an unofficial visit to Clemson on Saturday. He has been a slight lean to the Tigers over South Carolina. He will take in some games at USC as well this season and he will set official visits with the Tigers and Gamecocks. He is undecided on his three other visits. Georgia Tech offered Parker last week. He also has offers from Nebraska, East Carolina, Mississippi State, South Florida, Colorado, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, N.C. State, Central Florida, Wake Forest and Maryland.
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Wide receiver Marquel Wade (5-10, 180) of Jacksonville, Fla., has a top four of So Carolina, South Florida, Georgia and Arkansas, with Mississippi working its way into the picture. Wade plans to set officials with USC, Georgia, Arkansas and Mississippi. There is no favorite according to state.com.

Recruitniks might recognize the name Wujciak as Connor’s older brother, Alex was a standout linebacker for SHP before moving onto the University of Maryland on a full scholarship. It comes as no surprise that the Terrapins are among those active early in Connor’s recruitment.

“I have no favorites although Boston College, Maryland, and Rutgers have offered me and Notre Dame, Penn State, Wisconsin and Pittsburgh have been in touch,” said Wujciak of his recruitment.

While a college decision is well off in the future for this standout, preparing for his junior season with lofty expecations is foremost on his mind.

“The expectations for our team this year are very high,”Wujciak told NBE Sports. “Our goal is to win the conference and state championship. We have a lot of talent on this team and the team chemistry is very good so I think our goals are very realistic.”

The quest to accomplish those goals will begin on the road on September 12th with the season opener at Morristown. Wujciak will also line up as an H-back on offense for the SHP attack and see some time on the interior defensive line as well. Big East and college football fans along the east coast should keep an eye on this 6′3, 250-lb prospect as he is likely to develop into one of the most coveted prospects in the loaded New Jersey high school class of 2011.

Dontrewell Kelley Update

Suitland (MD) running back Dontrewell Kelley is gearing up for the season opener this weekend versus Largo High School and is seeing several schools interested in keeping an eye on his progress this season. The 5-foot-10, 175-lb RB/DB has set a personal goal for the season of gaining 1,500 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns while hoping to deliver a state title for Suitland HS.

“Temple, Maryland, UNC and Syracuse,” replied Kelley when inquired which colleges he is currently considering in the recruiting process.

At last check, Syracuse had extended Kelley a scholarship offer and other programs are looking to see him in action in his senior season to monitor his progress on the field.

Dontae Johnson Narrowing List

Pennington (NJ) School athlete Dontae Johnson has been a familiar name among those following east coast recruiting. As a well-rounded student athlete, Johnson has seen his share of suitors. The 6-foot-3, 185-lb safety prospect has the size in the secondary college coaches love. He is looking for a strong end to his high school career.

“This year i expect my team to be more consistent with everything we do,” said Johnson. “I would like to be looked upon as a leader for my team and be the best player that I can be”.

At one time, Johnson had a long list of schools he was considering, but at this point, with his senior season opening in eight days on September 11th against Lower Merion (PA), Johnson looks to have narrowed things down.

“NC State, Stanford and Maryland,” Johnson stated to NBE when asked what schools he was currently considering.