Farino favors Terps, Heels

Fullback Paul Farino is a physical, bruising prospect from Uniondale (N.Y.) Kellendale Memorial, and he's attracting interest from schools across the country. He's not close to a decision, but he has pinpointed two leaders.

"Maryland is my top choice right now because they've been actively recruiting me longer than anyone and seem to have the most to offer," said Farino. "From their facilities to their coaching staff, they just have a solid program all-around. Plus the team consistently does well, and they've won the Peach Bowl and Gator Bowl in consecutive years. They feed the ball to the fullback about 10 times per game, and that's what I'm looking for -- playing time and carries.

"North Carolina is my second favorite school," he said. "Their facilities are great and I really like the coaching staff there. Coach Bunting has NFL experience with the St. Louis Rams. My visit to UNC was great, and I learned a lot about their team and school. Their running backs seem to have good size, but I think I have more speed than most of their guys. I think the playing time would be there immediately. They tend to take a lot of in-state guys, so I'm not sure what their interest level is."

The 6-foot-0, 230-pound fullback runs the 40-yard dash in 4.68 seconds and is known for his ability to block and run over smaller defenders.

"After Maryland and North Carolina I like Boston College, Illinois, Michigan State, Syracuse and Penn State. They've all sent my coach and I a lot of letters. Of all the schools that have contacted me, I'm confident those six are the best."

Farino is also receiving interest from schools like Tennessee, West Virginia, Miami, UCLA, Michigan, Stanford, Marshall and others.

"I look for academics first in a school," he said. "Then I'll look at the quality of the football program and the possibility of playing early. After those two things, I'll look at the campus and and student life."

Farino will be attending the second session of the Maryland camp from June 20-23 and the North Carolina Rising Senior two-day camp on July 16 and 17. He may camp at another school but isn't sure where yet.

As a junior Farino rushed for more than 800 yards as one of the top fullbacks in New York.