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Brian Toal talks about favorites

Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep linebacker Brian Toal is the top player in the Northeast this year and a sure-fire five-star stud. So who are his favorites at this point?
"Right now my favorites are Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Boston College, Penn State, Iowa and Virginia Tech," said the 6-foot-2, 228-pounder, who also plays running back for Bosco. "Those are the teams that stand out anyhow. There are a few others, but that's it for now."
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Toal has been working out this summer and avoiding the camp tour that most prospects take. He visited Boston College for one day of their camp and hasn't been anywhere else.
"BC was pretty good," he said. "I've been there so much that it's nothing new for me."
That's because Toal's older brother, Greg, is the starting fullback for the Eagles. Will that affect his decision?
"We always joke about it, me following him to BC and keeping the same number," he said. "Keeping the number in Wyckoff, because the guy before Greg, Rob Tardio was also from this area. But in the end I'll decide for more than that."
Toal also has family ties to another of his favorites.
"My dad played at Virginia Tech in the 70s," he said. "I like Tech because they have great coaches and my dad liked it there."
Miami is also high on his early list.
"I really liked the coach there, coach Vernon (Hargreaves), when he visited," he said. "He was cool and stood out."
Toal has offers from all of his favorites and at least 30 other schools. His combination of size and speed makes him the next Dan Morgan (former Miami star) in the minds of many.
"I hear that comparison sometimes, but I try to just focus on getting better and not worrying about it," he said. "I want to get stronger and faster this summer."
Toal recently ran a 10.8-second 100-meters at 230+ pounds, winning his league's final meet. He also took the 200-meter and shotput that day as well. So when will he decide on a school?
"After five official visits," he laughed. "I'm in no hurry at all."
As a junior, Toal rushed for 1,275 yards and 22 touchdowns on offense and made 112 tackles on defense to lead his team to an undefeated season. Bosco is expected to be one of the top two or three teams in the country this upcoming season.
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