Michigan OL will pick early

Birmingham (Mich.) Groves offensive tackle Deon'tae Pannell is one of the top offensive linemen in Michigan.

But the 6-foot-5, 300-pounder has remained a little under the radar screen when it comes to talking about the schools chasing after him. But make no mistake, he's a very wanted man.

"I've got offers from Michigan State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan and Minnesota," said Pannell, who will be a three-year starter for Groves in 2007. "I've been in touch with Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State. Those have been the most recent. My top teams would be Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Iowa."

So why are all the teams after Pannell?

"My biggest strength is getting off the ball," he said. "I'm quick and explosive off the ball. Just being all-state pretty much is my main goal right now."

Pannell played left tackle as a sophomore and a junior, but he will play center this fall, which also makes him more valuable. He can play all of the positions on the line, which is another thing the college coaches like about him. Pannell admits he grew up a fan of Michigan, but Michigan State has really made a big impression on him, too.

"I was always a Michigan fan," he said. "I've been up to Michigan and Michigan State a couple of times. They're both real good campuses. As a football player they provide everything that you need to succeed academically. To me they're pretty equal."

It looks like the wait won't be long for a decision, regardless of what it will be.

"I'm definitely going to decide sometime this summer before my senior year so I can concentrate on football," he said.