Pennsylvania TE sets three visits

Three-star tight end Ryan Purvis (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) from Lancaster (Pa.) Catholic has his list narrowed to three schools, and has set up official visits to each one over the next two months.

Rated as the No. 11 tight end in the country by Rivals.com and the No. 60 prospect on the Atlantic East Amazing 80, Purvis plans to make a decision soon.

The Purvis household has been busy this month answering phone calls from UCLA, Pitt, West Virginia, Toledo, Boston College, Michigan, Michigan State, Virginia, and Miami, but it appears that three schools hold the upper hand -- Boston College, Pittsburgh, and UCLA. What is it about these schools that piques his interest?

“Boston College is strong academically, the coaching staff is great, and in football, traditionally they are known as a tight end school,” he explained. “Pitt has a good coaching staff and campus, and it is closer to home.

“I have only been in contact with UCLA by phone, and I don’t know much about them. They are a powerhouse and have good academics, and I will know more in September.”

His top three have all offered, along with West Virginia and Toledo, and he will take his official visit to UCLA on Sept. 26, followed by Pitt on Oct. 11 and Boston College on Oct. 24. He hopes to make a decision soon after his trips.

“I don’t want to carry on forever,” he said. “I may take two more visits toward the end of October or the beginning of November. West Virginia is a possibility.” Ryan took unofficial visits to Pitt and BC over the summer, but was unable to attend any camps.

An all-conference selection, Purvis caught 25 passes as a junior, and has added nine catches and a score in the first two games this year. He is an excellent student with a 3.8 GPA and an 1130 on SAT, and plans to major in business.