PSU, Wisconsin offer 4-star Jr.

Shai McKenzie has had a busy day. The running back from Washington (Pa.) picked up offers from Penn State and Wisconsin within hours of each other.

"I know Penn State has gone downhill a little bit with the sanctions but I know it's a good program and I'm sure it will come back," said the 6-foot, 212-pound McKenzie. "I think I'll be able to thrive there. I know they run a pro-style offense and run the ball. I think it could be a good fit and I'm willing to give any school a chance that gives me one. Their only setback for me is not being able to play in a bowl game until my junior year.

"I'm finding out now that I also have an offer from Wisconsin," he said. "One of my favorite college players was Montee Ball. I enjoyed watching his running style all year. I know that could be a good fit for me. I really don't like the climate up there though. It might sound stupid but I think I played better in a warmer climate."

With the addition of these two offers, McKenzie is up to 13 offers. He has about the same interest level in all of the schools except for a few.

"I still say all the schools are pretty similar right now," McKenzie said. "A lot of good schools have offered me and there aren't really any schools that stand out yet because I haven't taken any visits yet.

"If there was one school that stood out it would be Tennessee because that SEC offer is really big for me," he said. "I guess they would be in the lead for me right now. It's a top offer from a school in the top conference in the country. They might get one of my official visits later in the process but as of now they are in pretty good standing with me in the recruiting process.

"My hometown team, Pittsburgh, is also standing out to me," said McKenzie. "Duke is also a good one for me because of the education. Everyone else is pretty much that all the same right now, not that I'm ignoring them."

When does McKenzie think he will start taking visits?

"I'm not planning any other visits right now," he said. "I thought it over and talked about it with my coach and I don't think I'm going to take any unofficial visits until I have narrowed down my list of schools. The process is already getting pretty stressful but I guess it's better than not getting any attention at all.

"I'm just taking this process pretty slow," McKenzie said. "I don't want to alienate any team until after I make it through this coming season."

Does McKenzie plan on showcasing his talents at camps this offseason?

"I talked to some coaches and they said they've seen enough and don't really think I need to be going to any camps," he said.

McKenzie's other offers, in alphabetical order, are Akron, Connecticut, Maryland, Purdue, Rutgers, Toledo, West Virginia and Youngstown State.