Conn. lineman to visit Pac-10 schools
Conor Hanratty has piled up offers from schools across the country including the Pac-10 and the 6-foot-4, 305-pound offensive tackle from New Canaan, Conn., plans to make a trip out west next month.
Hanratty, whose father Terry played quarterback at Notre Dame, said he will visit California and Stanford during his spring break, an important trip to see what there is to offer in Berkeley and Palo Alto.
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"I don't know too much about Cal but I know some people that go there and they say it's a great school," said Hanratty, who also plans to attend Notre Dame's spring game. "Also coach (Tosh) Lupoi is a great recruiter and he's been talking to me for a while."
Lupoi, the Rivals.com recruiter of the year, was instrumental in landing many of the East Coast standouts that Cal signed in its 2010 recruiting class and he's back to go after some of the top talent this cycle. Hanratty said Lupoi is a big reason why Cal is getting a visit from him.
"His age is a big factor," Hanratty said. "He's really young and he's kind of like us and a person to connect to. He sets a good example. He's one of the best recruiters I've been around so far."
Stanford is playing a big role in Hanratty's recruitment and coach Jim Harbaugh is a big reason. His energy and excitement intrigues Hanratty, who said the academics at both schools is a big reason why they're still under consideration.
"I'm a big fan of coach Harbaugh," Hanratty said. "He has that really energetic personality and I'm a big fan of that.
"Stanford is obviously an incredible school so that's a big attraction, too. I haven't really taken into consideration distance from home as a factor but I don't know if it will be a factor."
After his April trip, Hanratty should have a better feel whether either Pac-10 program would be a good fit for him. If not, the Connecticut lineman who's considered one of the top prospects in New England has many other options.
He said Notre Dame is definitely one of his favorites - and the Irish have offered - but that he will consider all the schools involved. Hanratty said Notre Dame is clearly one of his favorites.
Clemson, Florida State and Louisville are his three newest offers and those schools join Boston College, Iowa, Maryland, Syracuse, Virginia and Wisconsin on his offer list.
Hanratty recently told Rivals.com he'd like to make a decision by the summer so he can get his recruitment finished by the start of his senior season.