Cruz prepares to narrow his list

Due to a knee injury, Johnstown (Pa.) Bishop McCort tight end Mike Cruz hasn't attended any camps this summer. The 6-foot-4, 255-pounder was hoping to make a couple visits though in the coming weeks.

"Today I'm planning to go to Clemson," he said. "If I can, I'm going to try to shoot down to Florida State sometime this summer.

"I want to go to these schools because I'm trying to start the evaluation process. I'm hoping to have a great time and learn a lot about the academics and athletics."

Do any colleges lead for Cruz at this time?

"Not at all, although Clemson and West Virginia are showing me a lot of love" he stated. "I'm probably going to narrow my list down to a top five just before the season or after the first game. Then I can worry about five schools instead of 25.

"Mostly I'm going to be looking at schools that have good academics. Secondly, I'll look at the coaching staff to see what they are all about and then I'm also want to look at the overall status of the school. The reputation of the college and football program itself and if they can make me a better person in life. Last, I'll be looking at playing time."

Currently the three-star prospect is preparing for the season after recovering from an ACL injury.

"I'm back running at full speed," he said. "I'm working with my team doing seven-on-sevens, camps and more.

"I can say an improvement. My mindset is a lot better; I'm going as hard as I can at all times and working on my overall ability. I'm also trying to step up and teach the younger guys on our team proper technique."