Offers come in for OT Rodkey

Offensive tackle Colin Rodkey out of Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway already holds four scholarship offers. The 6-foot-5, 270-pounder has offers from the ACC and Big East, he is also getting interest from numerous other schools.

"I just started getting offers from NC State, Duke, West Virginia and Maryland," he said. "I like all of the school. I know the most about Maryland and Duke because I visited both schools during the fall.

"The education stands out first of those. My family stresses education as well as athletics. I know Maryland has been an ACC power before and Duke is getting there."

What does Rodkey think of his other offers?

"I love West Virginia," he said. "I've always been a fan of the Big East conference, but I honestly don't think it's up to my education. I don't know a whole lot about NC State. I do like their staff a bunch, they are very nice."

Schools including Pittsburgh, Penn State, Northwestern and Rutgers are also showing interest. At this time, there is not a favorite for Rodkey.

"I do like Penn State, but I don't want to say there is a favorite," he said. "I just have to get a good education, that's my No. 1 priority. I want to major in engineering. I know it's hard, but that's probably the field I'll go into. I also don't want to go somewhere I'll lose all the time. I need a good athletic program and then honestly, I can't take the heat. If it's a decision between down south and north, I'll pick the north."

Coming up in the near future Rodkey plans to visit Maryland this Saturday as well as Penn State soon for a junior day.

The Keystone State prospect helped Gateway to an 11-2 record last season.

"We did pretty well, we lost in the championship to Central Catholic," he said. "I think I had my ups and downs. I stated off the year strong and then broke my thumb in the third game. That made it difficult until I got my cast off, then I went back and started dominating.

"I was more physical and dominating to my opponents this year. I was much better pass blocking and at the point of attack. I think my best things are my intelligence and I'm pretty versatile."