More Big Ten programs interest Morgan

Crete-Monee (Ill.) class of 2014 linebacker Nyles Morgan jumped out with three early offers from Illinois, Notre Dame and Purdue, but that appears to be just the start for the 6-foot-2, 220-pound prospect. Earlier this week, Morgan discussed three more schools he has had contact with in recent months.

Morgan is in the midst of a summer visit schedule that has already brought him to schools like Michigan State and Ohio State. He was in Columbus last month for an unofficial visit, though he did not camp.

"Basically they said they are going to recruit me heavily," Morgan said. "I kind of do have interest in Ohio State, but everything right now is even. I have watched them on TV because in my area the only thing that plays is Ohio State, Michigan State and Illinois."

A trip to Michigan State also occurred in the month of June, and Morgan has high interest in the Spartans early in his recruitment.

"I think I am more interested in Michigan State than Ohio State just by a little bit," Morgan said. "I kind of grew up watching Michigan State more than Ohio State. I remember watching Greg Jones play and he caught my eye."

Michigan State coaches informed Morgan they are watching him closely for a scholarship offer. He has heard similar talk from the coaching staff at Michigan and looks to visit Ann Arbor before the summer is out.

"I also have interest in [Michigan], especially because they run the same defense as our team, so that is a big plus," Morgan said.

With his recruiting process just getting underway, Morgan is merely in the offer collection stage at this point. He expects to be ready to make a decision near the start of his senior season after the bulk of his scholarship offers have come through and he has had a chance to visit most of the schools on his list.

"I am trying to get back to as many schools as I can before my season rolls around," Morgan said. "It's not planned yet, but I plan to call Michigan, UofI and Michigan State and see if I can take some other visits."