Eliades moves PSU up after unofficial

Offensive guard Lou Eliades was one of a host of Rivals250 prospects at the Penn State-Ohio State game over the weekend. The Ocean (N.J.) Ocean Township product enjoyed his trip to Happy Valley and was stunned by the atmosphere there.

"I was at the Penn State game and it was crazy," he said. "There were 110,000 people there and the fan support was just excellent. It was a good game too and close until the end. Penn State played pretty well and I liked how they ran their offense and the defense held up well. They do a lot of pass blocking at Penn State, but they also do a combination of run, pass, shotgun and more which prepares you for the NFL."

The visit helped move the Nittany Lions into good standing for the 6-foot-4, 286-pounder.

"The visit drew me a lot closer to Penn State and while I don't really have a favorite, I'd say it got them into my top three with South Carolina and Virginia Tech."

Despite the good visit, Penn State has not guaranteed themselves an official for the No. 13 offensive guard.

"If I did go to Penn State it would be after the season, but it's hard to say if I will go since I've been there three times already. I know a lot about them," he said. "As for my other two visits, I don't think I'll take all five, I'll probably take four or maybe just stick with the three."

Eliades plans to take an official visit next weekend to Notre Dame.

"I want to go down and see the game day atmosphere, coaches and get a feel for the college," he said. "I hope to see how it goes for them and I want to meet and get a better feeling for the coaching staff. I've talked to coach Latina, but I haven't totally been able to get to know them completely.

"I really like Notre Dame because of their academics and football program. Academics can't get any better than Notre Dame's and the program is really starting to look up with coach Weis there. They are definitely a school I want to look at and consider."

The four-star prospect has missed the last two games for Ocean Township.

"I was out the last two games with an infection on my foot. It was pretty bad and they had to dig in there, but I should be back to 100% by Monday and working out again," he said. "Those two games were the first ones I've missed and every time I go out there from now on it makes me realize I have to make it worth my while. I instead watched the opposing defensive line and told the guys filling in for me their tendencies, but it was good to be able to coach from the sidelines a little.

"Since being out our team came up with one of the biggest upsets of the year, a 22-21 victory over Toms River East. I was really proud of the guys as a team and I think we're going to finish off the season well. This week we have a big game against the 13th ranked team in the state, Brick Township. We just have to be ready to go."