OT Monroe talks about leaders

Plainfield, N.J. offensive tackle Eugene Monroe is one of the nation's Top 100 players without a doubt. With more than 20 written offers so far, who is the 6-foot-7, 330-pounder favoring?

"Right now my slight leader is probably Maryland," said Monroe. "I have a great relationship with the coaches, I love the campus and the football facilities are great."

After Maryland, the coveted tackle has seven teams on his short list.

"Miami, Michigan State, Florida State, Virginia, Rutgers, Stanford and Virginia Tech round out my top eight schools," he said. "I like different things about each of them."

Monroe broke down each school.

Miami -- "I greatly favor the football program and the winning traditions at Miami are good. I also like the coaches a lot."

Michigan State -- "They're one of the schools I'm looking at across the country. I learned a lot more about the school through previous conversations with the coaches. Getting out there for an unofficial visit might be tough, but I check out the school online quite often."

Florida State -- "FSU does well on a yearly basis. Most of my interest as of now is within the football program. I don't know much about their academics yet, but that will change soon."

Virginia -- "One of my favorites, along with Stanford, academically. A truly beautiful place, I loved it when I visited in the Fall. They recently got a nice addition to the coaching staff (Coach Mark D'Onofrio) and they look to be near the top of my list."

Rutgers -- "My home school, I can't overlook New Jersey and some great things are on RU’s horizon. I'm developing a good relationship with the new O-line coach and, since it’s so close, I plan to tour around campus really soon."

Stanford -- "One of the best in terms of academics. Distance may be hard to deal with now, but I'm definitely looking into the school."

Virginia Tech -- "A little early to say, but a good chance for early playing time seems likely. Distance isn’t that big of an issue and there is a possibility of an April visit."

Monroe, who also has offers from schools like Wisconsin, North Carolina, Boston College, Syracuse, Iowa and many others, will be at our Rivals.com New Jersey Junior Day on April 3rd and at the Elite College Combine on May 5th at the New Jersey Meadowlands. He's not sure what summer camps he'll attend if any.

As a junior, Monroe had an amazing 57 pancake blocks and allowed no sacks.