PA junior looking to the Midwest

Although only midway through his junior season, Summerhill (Pa.) Forest Hills Offensive guard/defensive tackle Ben Maderia is already garnering D-I attention from across the country. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound two-way star is already receiving attention from everywhere, but one school appears to be more interested than the others.

“Iowa been contacting me a lot,” he commented. “I guess they would be my favorite right now.” He also added that letters were flowing in from everywhere, and that signing day 2005 was a long way down the road.

Ben runs a 4.9 second 40-yard dash, and his size, along with his speed, make him a formidable opponent. He also squats 500 pounds and bench presses 320 pounds, and has the frame to add weight. He plays on both sides of the ball in high school and likes both positions equally, so where he plays in college is not a top priority.

“I just like to go out and hit somebody and do my job,” he said. Proximity to home, however, may play a role, along with his academic major.

“I’d like to stay close to home, but I will take what I can get,” he commented. “What I am really looking for is a good criminology program.”

Maderia has yet to take the SAT, but projects as a full qualifier with a 3.5 GPA.