Hardison begins scheduling officials

Not much has been heard from linebacker Matt Hardison out of Freehold (N.J.) Freehold Township since before the football season started. Rivals caught up with the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder's head coach Dominic Lepore to get all the details.

"He's starting to schedule his official visits," he said. "I know he's planning to go to Connecticut and Rutgers in the first two weeks of December, but I don't know the exact dates. Matt also plans to take officials to Louisville and Cincinnati sometime too. Those are the primary schools he's looking at right now and then Boston College and Syracuse are on the bubble."

What stands out about Connecticut and Rutgers?

"I know that both of those schools have been pressuring him really hard and have shown a lot of interest," he said. "He seems the most interested in those, but is looking at Cincinnati and Louisville a lot too."

Meanwhile, Boston College and Syracuse haven't offered yet, but he continues to hear from them.

"He's been talking to the assistants from both schools, but neither has pulled the trigger," Lepore said. "It seems likely they will offer and if so that could change things up. I know it's important for him to stay close to home because he's really close to his mom and dad and wants them to be able to watch him play."

Last weekend the three-star prospect took an unofficial visit to Rutgers.

"We went for the Navy game last week and he loved Rutgers," he said. "They took care of him and we sat in the front row and went on the field. I know he had a lot of fun."

Hardison has bulked up this year as he's an inch taller and 15-pounds heavier.

"He's a lot better than last year and really grew," he said. "He's been playing fine for us, but he's still a raw talent that's only played a couple years of football because he was too big growing up. Matt's potential is tremendous and I think a lot of the college coaches are starting to realize that."