Indiana RB landing early offers
Merrillville, Ind., running back James Aldridge is one of the top backs in the Midwest.
The Rivals100 member has narrowed his list down to "about 10 schools."
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"I like Iowa, Arizona State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Purdue, I like USC, Kansas State, I like Michigan, Notre Dame, and Tennessee," Aldridge said. "Iowa, Purdue, Kansas State, and Missouri have offered me. Ohio State said to expect an offer."
Asked if he has a favorite, Aldridge said, "I like Ohio State. I liked the facilities there. I liked the whole atmosphere. And a friend of mine goes there, Nick Patterson. He's from Hazelwood."
Aldridge has been busy scouting potential colleges as his recruiting heats up.
"I went to Ohio State's junior day last week," Aldridge said. "It was cool. I don't have any more junior days scheduled, but I'm going to go to a lot of campuses for one-day visits. I'll probably go to Notre Dame at the end of the month."
Aldridge has been a varsity starter since his freshman year when he played mostly linebacker for Hazelwood (Mo.) Central. He moved to running back his sophomore season and gained 941 yards.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Aldridge moved to Merrillville prior to his junior year and had a break-out season. Aldridge gained 2100 yards, averaged 7.4 yards per carry, and scored 22 times as he established himself as one of the top backs in Big Ten country.
Aldridge has a nice combination of size, speed, and strength. He bench presses 300 pounds and can squat 450. Not surprisingly, Aldridge is attracting attention from recruiters all over the country.