Irish impress PA lineman
With his season about to start, how are things shaping up with 6-foot-2, 298-pound defensive lineman Derrell Hand?
"Things are going real well," said the Philadelphia (Pa.) West Philadelphia Catholic prospect. "I just finished with my unofficial visits and had a great time."
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One of his trips was to Notre Dame.
"I went to Notre Dame, which was very exciting. I really liked the campus and I got to touch the Jesus statue which was really neat."
Derrell is listing Michigan State, Notre Dame, Iowa, Miami, and Wisconsin as his top five schools right now. He is also listing Syracuse right outside of his top five, and is not counting them out. He has offers from the Spartans, Hawkeyes, Badgers and Orange and is waiting on Notre Dame and Miami.
What is Hand looking for in a school?
"Academics is far and away the No. 1 thing I look for. Also the enviornment, winning tradition, and the relationship between the players and the coaches."
Derrell plans to decide where he wants to go after the season.
"I want to take my official visits and wait until the season is over to make my choice."
Hand had eight sacks as a junior and would prefer to play defensive tackle in college.