2013 DT Poggi is blowing up

Baltimore (Md.) Gilman School 2013 defensive tackle Henry Poggi is exploding on the scene. The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder has claimed over a dozen offers and is certainly on the verge of more after a huge start to the season.

"He's our biggest recruit right now for 2013, he's got a ton of offers already. I think he's at 10 to 15," Gilman assistant Henry Russell said. "I know he's been to Tennessee this summer, Auburn, Alabama, Michigan and I know he wants to go visit Notre Dame as well. He might actually go the same weekend at Cyrus (Jones).

"I know of the visits he's been on he had a really great trip to Michigan. He liked it a lot. He liked Alabama and Auburn a lot and the trip to Virginia as well. He enjoyed spending time with Coach London. He likes Stanford a lot too, he wants to get out there."

What does Poggi think of all the attention?

"He's really excited about it," he said. "He's got a brother that plays for Iowa and he's seen the recruiting process with both of his older brothers. He just appreciates the coach's interest in him."

In the season opener, Poggi posted three sacks. According to Russell, he's seeing big things from his young lineman.

"Coaches that have visited are impressed with his knowledge of the defense and the game," he said. "We got a comment from one coach that he was mentally ready to play for them right now cause of how well he knows the game.

"As for his ability, for his size he's really athletic. He's got really good feet for how big he is and is really quick. He's physical and has heavy hands. He can whack a guy and create a lane for himself. He does a great job against the run with the speed and quickness he has.

"As a tight end, he's got really good hands for how big he is and is an outstanding blocker. He can make plays in the passing game as well."

It's not just talent in 2013 that is getting attention, Russell even looked ahead to 2014.

"Melvin Keihn had two and a half sacks in the first week. He's a really gifted kid. We also have a lineman, Chibuzo Ukandu. He's a pretty good player too."