DT Palmer claims third offer

Philadelphia (Pa.) St. John Neuman defensive tackle Christopher Palmer picked up offer No. 3 recently. The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder acquired his second scholarship from the ACC.

"I got an offer from Maryland," he said. "Oh man, I was so excited about it and happy that I got that offer.

"You know I get a lot of mail and I thought it was just another piece, but then I read it and I was about to jump."

Last month Palmer took a visit to College Park.

"I went up there for practice and I like how they do it there," he said. "I was able to meet the defensive line and cornerback coaches. I checked out the school too and everything about it was real nice. I was impressed by everything there especially the atmosphere. It looks like they work hard and care about football."

Maryland is the third school to offer along with West Virginia and NC State. Is anyone else close to presenting a scholarship?

"I should be getting ones from Minnesota, Connecticut, Oklahoma and UCLA sometime soon," he said. "They are just telling me I'm good enough for an offer, how they want me to play for them and how they can build a team around me. I haven't had communication with them, but they've been in touch with my dad and send a lot of mail."

While offers are coming in, the Keystone State lineman is far from a decision.

"I guess everybody is equal right now," he said. "I won't know who's leading until I go on my official visits."

Palmer plans to take an unofficial up to Connectict this weekend followed by trips sometime in the future to Minnesota and Oklahoma.

"On the visit Saturday, I want to see the coaches, campus, weight room and really everything."

Palmer also plans to participate in the Nike Camp at Penn State and Elite College Combine next month.