Big Ten Blitz: PSU still profiting from visitors
The Ohio State game is still reaping benefits for Penn State with past visitors like Maryland commit Antonio Logan-El still big possibilities.
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The commitments of wide receiver Chris Bell along with defensive ends Aaron Maybin and Eric Latimore were huge pickups that came from the weekend. However, it looks like the Nittany Lions are far from done.
Logan-El, who is good friends with Maybin, visited Maryland last Thursday but still had plenty to say about PSU. Maybin has also been pushing his friend hard to join the Nittany Lions' commitment list.
"He has always said that once he does commit to a college or university, he's going to want the best recruiting class to come in with him," Logan-El said about Maybin. "He's trying to persuade me to come with him and follow him."
While Logan-El, a Rivals100 selection, is set on taking four more official visits after the season, Penn State remains a solid contender.
Five-star running back LeSean McCoy shifted PSU into his top three. Like Logan-El, McCoy also visited College Park, Md., last Thursday to watch Virginia Tech defeat the Terps, 28-3. McCoy, the nation's top running back prospect, also has the Hokies in his top three.
Maryland prospects J.B. Walton and A.J. Wallace also remain firm on their high interest in Penn State.
Walton called his visit "electrifying" and Wallace put PSU in the race immediately after his trip. Both players are expected to take more official visits before their recruiting is done, but things are looking strong.
Penn State also remains an option for Columbia (S.C.) defensive tackle Adam Patterson though there is stiff competition from South Carolina and North Carolina State.
"That visit puts them in there, but I'm going to keep my options open and look at more schools," Patterson said. "Everyone is in there still but I'd say I still favor North Carolina State and South Carolina. I know I'll definitely be taking two officials to those schools."
Rumors have also been swirling that there could be unannounced commitments still out there from that weekend. Could there still be pledges out there still waiting to surface?
Stay tuned...
Michigan adds another defensive lineman
Staten Island (N.Y.) Monsignor Farrell defensive end John Ferrara's hard work throughout his senior season had new schools jumping in the mix for his services. However, when Michigan became one of those schools to offer, he couldn't wait much longer.
Ferrara committed as soon as the Wolverine offer came his way.
"We felt that it is the place where I fit in because we went there this past summer and the summer before," Ferrara said. "If Michigan were to offer, we should turn around and give them a commitment. I think it is the best in the nation of football and academics."
The offer was definitely because of the New York prospects determination to get his senior film out to several schools. It only took a couple of weeks for coach Lloyd Carr and Michigan get the offer in his hands.
Dublin returns from Iowa
The first official visit for Florida defensive end Walter Dublin was to Iowa City, Iowa this past weekend and things went very well for the Hawkeyes.
Despite the loss to Michigan, Dublin came away very impressed with what he saw from Iowa. However, it appears that his first official visit hasn't pushed the Big Ten team in front of his two favorites just yet.
"Right now, it's the only visit I've been on, so Iowa is a cut above a few of the other schools," Dublin said. "I guess it puts them in third place right now. Ohio State and Minnesota are my two leaders."
Dublin is expected to make his second official visit to Minnesota this weekend. He also will be setting up a future trip to Ohio State before deciding.
Will Wisconsin be a destination for Berry?
There are numerous possibilities for four-star cornerback Aaron Berry to officially visit. However, it appears a few schools, like the Wisconsin Badgers, are in great position to land a trip.
Berry says he definitely plans to take a trip to Wisconsin. However, they've got competition that includes Michigan State, Minnesota, Penn State, Notre Dame, and West Virginia. The one positive note for Wisconsin in this race is that they've made it clear to Berry he can be an instant contributor.
Badger co-offensive coordinator Brian White made that known to Berry.
"They are telling me I can come in and start right away," Berry said. "I could come in and catch some balls on offense too."
All five of his official visits look to be set for after his season.
Buckeye legacy gets coveted offer
Ohio State has always been the favorite for California safety Grant Schwartz considering his father, Brian Schwartz, is a former Buckeye. While he picked up other offers from Oregon, Boise State, and Colorado State, it was obvious that he was holding everything for OSU.
After being told by the Buckeyes coaching staff that one was on his way weeks ago, the scholarship finally made its way to the Schwartz household. It always seemed a verbal would follow immediately after an offer.
Things have changed.
Oregon's heightened attention has caused a delay. Schwartz stated that he was impressed when head coach Jim Tressel told him to take his time and that the Buckeyes still are the leader.
OSU may have to wait a little longer than expected for this West Coast defender.
Etc.
Illinois grabbed a commitment this weekend from Ohio offensive tackle Ryan Palmer and his plans of making other trips have apparently been cancelled…Purdue added a big piece to their recruiting class getting a pledge from three-star Cleveland cornerback Royce Adams last week over several other Big Ten schools…Indiana defensive tackle Dexter Larimore's next two official visits to Michigan and Ohio State could be the determining factor in his final decision as both schools look to be in the best position for his commitment.
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