2007 Mass. OT gets plenty of interest

Junior offensive tackle Chris Shannon out of Andover (Mass.) Phillips Academy is starting to receive major college interest after impressive sophomore and junior seasons. What stands out about the 6-foot-5, 285-pounder?

"He's great this year because he hasn't missed a down on offense and already has several pancakes," said Phillips Academy head coach Leon Modeste. "Our quarterback has not been hit with him on the backside and he hasn't given up any sacks. He started last year as well and I can tell he's gotten a lot more lateral motion, picks up blitzes better and understands the bigger picture, not just his immediate responsibilities.

"He plays both ways for us, but in college I think he's an offensive player because of his quick feet. He gets under people's pads fast and the fact that he's still only an eleventh grader is tremendous."

Which colleges have been in contact with Shannon?

"I don't hear as much because Chris lives off campus, but I know Notre Dame, Michigan, Boston College, Connecticut and the Ivy Leagues are in contact with him," he said. "He's definitely looking at academics as his dad is an oral surgeon and his brother goes to Dartmouth. I could see him going for schools like Notre Dame, Northwestern, Penn State and Boston College. Obviously places he can play good football and get an education."

One other 2007 prospect to keep an eye on from Phillips Academy is 6-foot-2, 195-pound linebacker Peter Casey.

"He's one of these New Orleans kids and I think his mother is still in San Antonio," he said. "He's settled up here now, but he's a real rangy kid that's raw boned. He's got to fill out some more. I see him getting up to 6-foot-3 and probably around 230-pounds before he leaves here.

"He'll definitely be a linebacker in college because he wants to hit people. We put him on the edge and he gets bored and surly. He's a lot more effective inside when he's making plays closer to the ball. He's our second leading tackler on the team averaging eight tackles a game."

So far Casey has received interest from Tulane.