N.C. State in good shape for LB

West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West two-star outside linebacker Alex Kaufman has two pretty impressive scholarships on his resume and he's loving the recruiting process so far, but at this point he's still a long way from making a final decision.

"I'll hopefully commit at the end of the season after I do my official visits in September," Kaufman, who is 6-foot-2 and 218 pounds, said.

"I just got back a couple weeks ago from the Northwestern camp and Michigan State unofficial visit. They went really well. I love Michigan State. Northwestern wasn't bad but they don't seem to be in the running for another linebacker right now. So it looks a lot better for Michigan State. I loved the campus. N.C. State is also in great position for me. Also Minnesota and Purdue."

From those comments it's clear that N.C. State is one of his top teams. He said Minnesota would be up there also, but it's also clear the Pack have made quite an impression.

"N.C. State has what I'm looking for with engineering," he said. "I want to do industrial engineering. So far I like the coaching staff. I've talked to them the most recent, and I stay in touch with them the most often. I like what they have to say. I like what their programs about. Also from an academic standpoint they have the fourth-best engineering school in the nation.

"I love the East Coast. East coast is what I wanted."

Kaufman is a team first type player. He considers himself to be a very good team leader, and that's why he's not letting the recruiting process become a big distraction.

"For me I think it's my ability to communicate with others and make sure the whole team works as one that makes me special," he said. "I love the aspect of being part of a team and getting things done together. It's great to get things done by yourself but when you can get it done with 10 other guys, it's even better.

"I'm just looking forward to a great season. It's going to be a good one, and I can't wait."