Boatman impresses on camp circuit

It's been a busy few weeks for defensive tackle Corey Boatman. The 6-foot-1, 257-pounder out of Wheaton (Md.) Our Lady of Good Counsel has visited five Division I programs for camps.

"I've been visiting a few schools going to camps," he said. "In the past month I started out with Cincinnati with my parents and then I stopped at Miami (Ohio). The campus at Cincinnati blew me away. They are known for their architecture and the buildings there were really nice and I liked the staff.

"After that I made my way down to the Florida camp. I did very well there and the defensive line coach was impressed, but since I'm undersized the coaches don't think I fit in. He did tell me that he's willing to recommend me if I need it."

From Florida, Boatman made his way back home to Maryland for a one day camp.

"I attended Maryland and stood out there," he said. "I'm not sure if they offered, but I got a lot of Division I-AA verbals. I think Maryland is on the bubble and I'll talk to them soon.

"The following day, I went down to Virginia. I stood out according to coach London. He told me that they are only taking 16 players and two defensive linemen, so they are going to wait to see on guys they've already offered. If they don't commit by the time the season starts then they'll offer me. They actually said if they were taking 25 players, I would already have an offer.

"After that trip, I went home and got a call from Stanford the other day. They are showing a high interest in me and asked if I'd be willing to go to California. I think they are really close to offering if I'm serious about going out there."

Boatman claims everywhere he's gone coaches have been impressed.

"It's because of my size, that limits the coaches from looking at me," he said. "A lot of them think I can grow more when they see my dad since he's 6-foot-7.

"Recruiting wise, coaches told me I'm a fundamental standout player. They like my work ethic and will hopefully offer soon."

Now that he's taken all those trips, do any colleges lead for Boatman?

"The four campuses that I liked were Virginia, Cincinnati, Maryland and Rutgers," he said. "Maryland and Virginia seem like they'll offer sooner than later, I just have to be patient. Both of them are in a good conference in the ACC and I like the coaches. There is continuity there.

"Specific to Virginia, they are a great academic school and have good facilities. It's a really good environment and I enjoyed it there. As for Maryland, my mom went there and I know a lot about their program.

"Finally, Rutgers has that old and new feel to it, while Cincinnati is an inner city type of environment."

One school that may receive a visit in the near future from Boatman is Syracuse.

In the meantime, the two-star lineman is focused on helping his team this fall.

"I've been to three consecutive championships and I'm looking to lead my team there again," he said. "I want us to get better and be a strong dominant team. We came up short in the championship and now it's time for redemption. We owe DeMatha, this time we've got to win one."