LB Macaluso decides to head West

Three-star linebacker Nick Macaluso out of Middletown (N.J.) Middletown South ended all speculation and committed to Stanford today. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder picked the Cardinal over offers from Rutgers, Northwestern, Duke and Kansas.

"Nick decided to go to Stanford," said Middletown South assistant head coach Al Bigos. "I think he felt the most comfortable there and saw an opportunity to play. He went out on his last visit to Stanford and I think all along he knew it was the place for him to be in his mind, it just became a matter of going there and checking it out.

"He went out there and fell in love with California. I know he was a little nervous being that far away from his parents, but when they went. They were sold the minute they walked on campus."

What kind of player has the Cardinal picked up?

"Nick doesn't really completely on his athleticism," he said. "He studies and takes things in film and shows it on the field. He became our quarterback on defense and I'd imagine he'll take the same role with him to Stanford. He's a great leader and makes plays with his great closing speed."

Macaluso is rated the No. 20 player in New Jersey and No. 41 inside linebacker in the country.