Iowa, Rutgers lead for 2011 LB

Sparta (N.J.) Pope John XXIII is off to a perfect start through seven games in the 2009 campaign and junior linebacker/tight end Cole Farrand is a big reason why.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound two-way prospect is optimistic about how he and his team have performed this year. He has been lining up at the 'Mike' linebacker spot, as well as at tight end for Pope John XXIII.

"It's been going great," Farrand said of his junior season. "We're 7-0 right now and we weren't expecting to do this good. We're just doing great. I think we're playing with a lot more heart this year when we go out. We've got a great core on the team. We're really junior-based so we're a young team and we're really together when we play."

On the year Farrand has recorded more than 100 receiving yards with three touchdowns. He isn't sure how many receptions he has, but he also scored on a two-point conversion.

What has the recruiting scene looked like so far?

"Well, so far I've been asked to go to the National Underclassmen Combine as a tight end, so I'm really looking forward to that. it should be a good challenge.

"I've been getting mail from Iowa and I went up to Rutgers after they invited me to a game. I got a letter from Wisconsin and Michigan State, and just a little junk mail from Miami."

While the trip to Rutgers went well early this fall, another school leads for Farrand.

"I was at the Rutgers' season opener against Cincinnati," he said. "I loved the atmosphere at Rutgers. Everybody in the stands was going wild and that's exactly what I want. That's the kind of situation I'm looking for.

"I'd say I'm leaning more towards Iowa. I like Rutgers, too, because it's in new Jersey and it's also a great college. But I'm really glad Iowa is doing well and looking at me. It's a great feeling."