McWilson taking his time

Although he is closing in on double digit offer totals, four-star defensive back Marcus McWilson from Youngstown (Ohio) Cardinal Mooney is in no rush to end his recruiting process.

"I am definitely open to all the schools that I have offers from and talk to," McWilson said. "No specific school really stands out right now, but I know when I narrow it down to what I want to do in college and what profession I take on, that will narrow down the schools. I've realized college isn't just about four years, it's about the rest of your life."

McWilson's nine scholarship offers have come in from Illinois, Indiana, Louisville, Michigan State, Nebraska, Purdue, West Virginia, Bowling Green and Youngstown State. Louisville and Purdue were two of his most recent offers.

"Those two came in earlier this month," McWilson said. "I talked to the coaches from Louisville. The coach from Purdue had emailed me over Facebook and I talked to him.

"I would say Louisville did seem a little different. They weren't so concerned with what their players could do for them in winning championships and football games, it was more so what they could do for their players. Not too many schools have told me that, and they seem to be more focused on their academics. They said it wasn't the best at first, but with the new staff it has gotten a lot better and their APR is better."

McWilson is also closing in on offers from Northern Illinois and Pitt. Both programs have said they want to get him on campus to offer, but McWilson does not have an trips planned in the near term.

"I know a lot of coaches have been asking me about coming down, but I'm not sure which ones I will be able to make it to yet," he said. "I don't think I will go to any more junior days. It will be more spring practices so I can see how the coaching works."

This past fall, the 6-0, 195-pound McWilson played safety, running back, wide receiver and returned kicks for a Youngstown Cardinal Mooney team that won their eighth state championship.