Alaeze to open things up
Just when you thought Randallstown, Md. defensive end Melvin Alaeze was all set to choose between Maryland and Virginia Tech at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 15, the nation's No. 1 rush end throws everyone a curve ball.
"I've opened things up a little," said the 6-foot-2, 277-pounder. "I'm thinking about taking visits to Miami and Southern Cal. Maryland and Virginia Tech are still way up there, but I might want to take a visit or two more to compare."
Advertisement
Alaeze had not scheduled visits with either school at the time we spoke with him. However, he did tell us what he liked about both schools.
"Miami is a nice program and they are a winning program," he said. "There is good communication between the coaches it seems and I like coach Hargreaves. Southern Cal is there for the same reasons pretty much."
Is distance a factor?
"Not if it's the right school," he said. "It's not a factor."
Penn State has been another school linked with Melvin of late.
"I spoke with Derrick Williams the other day but I don't think Penn State is for me," he said. "There is a little chance, but not much. You can say their in the mix though."
Alaeze is ranked as the No. 1 strongside defensive end in the country and is No. 13 on the Rivals100. He has already taken official visits to Maryland and Virginia Tech. Will he still be announcing at the All-American Bowl?
"I'm not sure yet," he said. "I might wait until after it if I take those other visits."