Busy time for Vitiello

Joe Vitiello of Somerville (N.J.) Immaculata started off his recruiting process as a defensive end, but over the course of the last few months his future position may have changed. Along the way he has also picked up his first offer and is receiving increased interest from a number of other schools.

"Penn State likes me a lot at tight end, because they called my coach and called me for all of my information," said Vitiello, who is 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds. "Temple called me and my coach and I talked to the North Carolina head coach, Larry Fedora, on the phone. He told me he really wants me at his school."

Vitiello has also been invited to several junior days, but believes that one school may be closest to being his next offer.

"I got invited to Rutgers, Temple, Penn State and North Carolina junior days all in the last week," said Vitiello. "I feel like North Carolina likes me the most, just because I talked to the head coach on the phone which was really cool."

For Vitiello, his first offer recently arrived from Massachusetts.

"It just takes a lot of weight off my shoulders," said Vitiello. "People say the first offer is the hardest to get, but I'm just hoping to have the most options I can have."

Up next for Vitiello is a set of visits and camps.

"UNC, Rutgers, Maryland and Penn State I'm definitely going to for sure in the spring or summer," he said. "I hope to learn about how they could use me and I would like to learn some new techniques so I can use it on the field next season."

As mentioned, Vitiello started off his recruiting process thinking he was a defensive end at the next level but now that has changed.

"Everyone that I talk to says they like me as a tight end better because they see lots of room for growing and maturing," he said. "They also tell me that they can make me into a three-technique on the defensive line because they can put a lot more weight on me. I'm 255 pounds, but not fat so they can put weight on me. Personally I like myself as a tight end."

On April 27th, Vitiello will also attend the Rivals Camp Series presented by Under Armour in Piscataway, New Jersey.

"I want to prove I can be one of the top players there with my size and athleticism," said Vitiello.