Midwests best from 6 to 10
Last week’s Midwest spotlight story featured our early top five prospects in the Big 10 region. But this week, it’s time to look at the Midwest’s best bets No. 6 through No. 10.
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This week let’s look at the next five beginning with quarterback Clayton Richard from Lafayette (Ind.) McCutcheon.
Richard is being heavily recruited for his skills on both the gridiron and as a pitcher in baseball. Among the football programs that have already offered are Purdue, Indiana, Illinois, Northwestern, Michigan, Colorado, UCLA, and LSU.
At No. 7 is offensive lineman Joel Holler from Lancaster (Pa.) McCaskey.
"I like Penn State, Pitt, Maryland, Miami, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Michigan," Holler said.
"All of them except Michigan have offered me. Some others have offered too. Miami came up and verbally offered. I'm not sure which I like best. All the doors are open."
Cornerback Donte Whitner from Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville made 87 tackles during his junior season, picked off three passes, and broke up 19 others.
“Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Pitt, Toledo, West Virginia, Iowa, those schools have all offered me,” Whitner said. “Tennessee’s another school I’m interested in. I don’t have a favorite right now.”
We stay in Ohio for our No. 9 prospect in the Big 10 region. Tight end Louis Irizarry from Youngstown Ursuline has been a varsity starter since his freshman season. As a junior, Irizarry caught 31 passes for 558 yards, averaging 18 yards a grab.
Irizarry was close to committing to Ohio State in May. However a trip to Notre Dame changed Irizarry’s thinking and he now is inclined to wait at least awhile before making a decision.
Both schools have offered, as have Penn State, Michigan State, and others.
Rounding out the top 10 is defensive end Doug Van Dyke from Marshall, Mich.
Van Dyke has been a starter on both sides of the line since his sophomore season. During his junior year he registered eight sacks. Van Dyke has offers from Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue.
He’s looking at those three, but is also interested in Ohio State and possibly Wisconsin.