Macaluso names top four

A couple of weekends ago linebacker Nick Macaluso took in his only summer camp at Duke. Did the Blue Devils camp and visit impress the Middletown South, N.J. standout and who are the top four teams battling for his services?

"I really liked it a lot," he stated. "The coaches and program are good. The coaches were all really nice and open. Every coach came up and talked to me and they all wanted to see how I was doing. I think the visit definitely drew me closer to them and left a better impression of the school. It's really good to know you have coaches like that."

After the visit, the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder has the Blue Devils, Stanford, Boston College and Northwestern at the top of his list.

"Those are my top four and my fifth is open, it might be Rutgers," he said. "Stanford is similar to Duke, but they play in the Pac-10 and are good every year. Northwestern is good and they play in the Big Ten, while Boston College is looking really good in the ACC. All of the schools are really good academically."

Macaluso should have no problem at any of the academic schools as he boasts an impressive 4.48 GPA and 1200 SAT.

One school that was surprisingly absent from his favorites was the Tar Heels; previously they were among his leaders.

"I haven't gotten much mail from them and they've fallen of the map for me I guess."

This season the New Jersey product is looking to improve key aspects of his game.

"I just need to improve on my size and strength," he said. "I need to get a little bigger and stronger for the college level. I want to gain about 20-pounds, so I won't get killed. I'm also looking to get my bench up to over 300."

Later this summer Macaluso is looking to attend Northwestern at the end of July.

The linebacker isn't preparing to make a decision anytime soon.

"After I take all my officials, I'll probably make it right away," he stated. "I'm thinking Christmas, right before the holidays. I want to get it done with, but I plan to take all five visits."

Macaluso posted 90 tackles, five sacks and one interception as a junior.