Is Miami too hot for Northeast DL

Windsor, Conn. defensive tackle Damik Scafe visited Miami last weekend and even met up with a couple NFL wide receivers on his trip. What did the 6-foot-3, 290-pounder think of the visit?

"I loved the campus, it's crazy and beautiful down there, but it was a little too hot for me, because I like the cold. I don't know if that turns me off on them, but I'd like to look at northern schools," he said. "The facilities are outstanding and I was impressed with how well organized their junior day was and just how beautiful the campus is. Coach Coker is real nice, they're all really nice. They had time to talk to every single guy so we all got attention and could ask questions. I talked to coach Coker in his office for five minutes and he just talked to me about basic football, not really anything particular.

"I got to meet Antrel Rolle and took a picture with him, he's really nice. I also talked to (Green Bay Packer) Javon Walker and (Pittsburgh Steeler) Plaxico Burress in the weight room, I guess they live down there. It was a great chance to realize my potential; it's crazy to have three NFL guys there while I was there. They all said I was a great athlete and told me to just keep on track and I'll have everything. Rolle was surprised at my size, he was really nice and humble though."

Where does Miami stand with Scafe?

"I'm not really sure, I'd say they're tied for first with Wisconsin even though it might be too hot down there," he said. "It's a beautiful top-notch program and every year they put eight kids in the NFL, so that is a big factor."

What does Scafe like about the Badgers?

"They showed interest in me first and they like my diversity and individuality and they are a top-notch program," he said. "The defensive line coach is one of the best in the country and three defensive linemen are going to the NFL this year. Plus I like the cold."

Scafe also likes home-state team Connecticut.

"I think I might like to stay home and I love how their practice is organized and no time is wasted," he said. "The coaching staff is really kind too and I love them. I know I don't want to go too far out, but I'm not really sure exactly what I want yet."

The defensive tackle is also planning a visit to Virginia this weekend.

"Virginia's got a beautiful campus," he said. "I want to see a college game and I really want to see how the atmosphere is there and how the fans react and stuff. When I went for their junior day they were really cool and I even met Eugene Monroe who's really nice."

Scafe plans on attending two combines including the Penn State Nike Camp and the Elite College Combine in Randolph, New Jersey. In preparation for the combines, the defensive tackle is working out and practicing all his drills.

"I just got done with a crazy workout with the coaches, we went into the weight room for two hours and worked on my 40 and shuttle," he said. "I can tell I'm getting a lot bigger and I've gained weight, but I've still kept my speed. I'm up to 290 pounds now. At the combines, I'm want to try to be an All-American, that's my goal and I want to impress the coaches and get a name for myself, I know I can do it."

With all the work he's putting in during the spring, what is Scafe hoping out of Windsor next year?

"I want to be the best I can be, I want to get at least 100-plus tackles and go to the All-American bowl game," he said. "I want to win a state championship. Every year we get so close, I want that ring this year, my last year."

As for a decision on his commitment, it could be a little closer than you think.

"I'm keeping my options open, I'm thinking about the end of summer after I see everyone," he said. "Last season our wide receiver did it before the season started and I liked how relaxed he was, but I'm still not sure now."

Scafe was named all-conference as he recorded 79 tackles, 12 for loss and eight sacks.