Pennsylvania LB favors ACC school
Outside linebacker and defensive end prospect Colin Neely has gotten a fair amount of interest from many of the top teams in the Northeast.
The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder has already received mail from Virginia, Iowa, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Penn State, Maryland, Michigan State and Lehigh.
Advertisement
Neely out of Bethlehem (Pa.) Freedom helped the team to a 5-5 record. He went on to post 60 tackles and 10 sacks on defense. On offense, the prospect recorded 20 catches for 400 yards and four touchdowns.
"We could have played better in some situations this year," Neely said. "I feel I held up to the hype and played up to my expectations."
What does Neely want out of a school?
"I want a chance to make it to the NFL," he said. "I'll also be looking at schools with agriculture or architecture because I want to get a good job. Location is also a big factor and Virginia is six hours away, while Lehigh and Penn State are close, so that helps them."
So far the defensive prospect has visited Virginia and Michigan State.
"Michigan State's campus is wonderful, and the new field is great," he said. "The model of Virginia's campus is great and I fell in love with their campus when I walked on it."
Neely is favoring three early in his recruitment, but one of them is sticking out more than the others.
"At the top of my list is Virginia, Iowa and Michigan State," he said. "Those three seem most interested in me. I've visited Virginia twice and their campus is great, they are my top school right now."
The linebacker prospect grew up a fan of Michigan State, so will that play into his recruitment?
"No, I don't think I'll favor them anymore because of that."
Neely is planning a trip at the end of February to Syracuse, he is also planning to attend the Adidas camp at Pittsburgh and a summer camp at Virginia.