Chester features two Division I prospets in 08

Head coach Willie Bates out of Chester, Pa. claims to have two possible Division I prospects in the 2008 recruiting class. Both players are receiving interest from major colleges, who are they hearing from?

The first player to watch is 6-foot-3, 235-pound tight end Ramir Kirsey.

"Virginia, Penn State, Syracuse have been in to ask about him," Bates said. "He's also getting interest from Iowa, Michigan State, Indiana, Boston College, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Clemson, Vanderbilt and Illinois."

While schools are obviously interested, what makes him stand out?

"He's a four year football player that has been playing since ninth grade, which is sometimes kind of a rare commodity," he said. "As a tight end, he's a real unselfish player that will block all game without getting the ball. He's satisfied doing that.

"Off the field, he's under a 2.0 so academics are going to be an issue. It's a possibility he may take summer classes. I know he really wants to pull it up, but that problem may cause some of the bigger schools to back off.

"The thing is he's not a bad kid, in fact he's a good one. He comes from unfortunately a lower financial situation and lives in the project area. He's a real humble kid that is focused."

Last season Kirsey hauled in 23 receptions for 460 yards and four touchdowns.

Helping Kirsey on offense is 6-foot-2, 295-pound offensive guard Demetrius McClain.

"The good thing about Demetrius is that he has played since he was a sophomore," he said. "He's a solid kid who can get better and a little nastier. He didn't do much with weights before this year, but now that he's motivated and is starting to get the mail about a free education he's been in the weight room."

Bates discussed his lineman's personality too.

"He's a solid kid academically with a 2.9, 3.0-GPA," he stated. "He's real quiet, but nice and not a problem at all. He comes from a good family and is a pleasure to have around."

Currently Temple and Boston College are showing interest in the all-league prospect.