Blankenship visits one of his favorites

In January, Monaca (Pa.) Center Area offensive guard Evan Blankenship received his first two offers from Pittsburgh and Ohio State. The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder took his first visit of the recruiting season last weekend to one of the schools.

"I headed over to Pittsburgh for their junior day last weekend and it was great," he said. "I got to see all their facilities and even see a basketball game. I also had a little meeting with coach Wannstedt and he sat next to me during the game and we talked throughout. He talked to me about how Pittsburgh will have a scrimmage at my school and just other little stuff. It was fun and I had a good conversation with him."

Pittsburgh continues to show constant interest in the offensive guard along with Ohio State. Other schools in contact with Blankenship include Clemson, Oklahoma, Michigan and Notre Dame.

"I've grown up a big fan of Pittsburgh and Ohio State," he said. "Of course I live about 20 minutes from Pitt and then my dad's side of the family is big Ohio State fans and we go to their games occasionally. If my decision comes down to these two schools it is going to be a really tough decision and I think the fact I'm a fan of both definitely could play into my decision."

Coaches obviously see something in Blankenship already, what does he think makes him stand out?

"I think I have quick feet for a guy my size," he said. "I'm also pretty good at pass blocking which probably is helped because I played basketball so much. Then overall I'm just a quick guy that can move people in the direction I want on the line."

Blankenship was named all-conference as a junior.

This spring the lineman prospect is considering attending a junior day at Clemson on March 4th. Blankenship plans to attend an Ohio State summer camp as well.