Duke, BC lead for Rivals100 DT

Worcester (Mass.) St. John's defensive tackle James McGillicuddy has two early favorites, although things could change quickly.

"Right now my two favorites are Boston College and Duke," said the 6-foot-3, 285-pounder. "They've both offered me and have great academics, but it's still early so things could change."

McGillicuddy, who also has offers from UConn and Syracuse with many others very interested, has a solid top five at this point but others could be added.

"BC, Duke, Virginia, Notre Dame and Harvard are my favorites," he said. "Some others are showing interest and, like I said, things could change, but those are the top five right now."

What does he like about each?

"BC is close to home, has great academics, is very high class, the staff is awesome, the new Yawkey center will be very nice and the level of football will increase with their move to the ACC," he said. "Duke also has great academics and I have heard they are putting in a 15 million dollar football center and I like the staff that I have met. Duke's new coach will hopefully start to turn their program around."

"ND has tradition, academics, high class and a strong program while UVA has great academics, football is on the rise big-time, the town loves the football program which is pretty cool and coach Prince and the rest of the staff are great guys. Coach Prince was very hospitable to me while I was visitiing and they have really nice facilities. Harvard has amazing academics and great tradition even though they're DIAA."

McGillicuddy had 80 tackles (12 for a loss), six sacks, two forced fumbles and numerous hurries as a junior. He can also play offensive line.

"Syracuse has mentioned offensive line, but most of the others want him as a defensive tackle," he said. "I like that BC is so close to home, but I also have been thinking about getting away which is why Duke is of interest. They are a top five academic school in the country and are far enough away."

McGillicuddy will be one of three Top 100 defensive tackles (Callahan Bright, Kade Weston) in action on Wednesday, May 5 at the New Jersey Meadowlands for the Elite College Combine. He will also be at the NIKE Camp at State College, Pa. He's not sure where he'll camp or when his decision will be made.

"I'm not in a rush," he said. "It's still very early."