Queiro staying busy

Kyle Queiro has had a busy off-season filled with college visits and combines. The athlete from Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic, who attended the Army All-American Combine back in January, spoke about his most recent visits to Maryland and Penn State, and his upcoming plans.

"Maryland went well, they had a tough year but they are a team on the rise," said Queiro. "From their academics to the football team, they stressed the progress they've made and what they are trying to accomplish."

Part of his trip was dedicated to getting to know the coaching staff.

"I spent most of my time with the Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach Brian Stewart," he explained. "He's a fun guy, has NFL experience and works well with players, which is easy to see. My overall experience was pretty good. I could see myself going there. The Baltimore-Washington area is great and has a lot to offer, but I still need to learn more about it to see if it's a good fit for me."

Before he visited College Park, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Queiro checked out Happy Valley and liked what he saw.

"I went to the Junior Day at Penn State," said Queiro. "Growing up, that was one of the teams I wanted to go to. I've already seen the stadium because I went to the Illinois game this year. This time I got to see the campus and see what the experience would be like if I went there and what the people are like."

Queiro shared his thoughts on the new coaching staff and their introduction at Penn State.

"Coach O'Brien, I really have a lot of respect for him," he said. "Coming into that situation, even though it's not talked about much up there, it's a hard thing to come into. Also, changing the old Penn State views from a running offense to opening up the offense, I just hope everything goes well. If I decide to go there, hopefully I can help the team move in the right direction."

Queiro, who currently holds seven scholarship offers from schools like Rutgers, NC State, Colorado and Boston College, said he is in constant contact with a few other big-name schools.

"I talk to Miami, Stanford and Wisconsin on a regular basis," Queiro said. "My dream school is a school like a Stanford or a Michigan-type of school with great academics and a top football program."

Queiro, who is open to playing on either side of the ball at the next level, listed the criteria he is looking for in his college choice.

"Academics are the major factor," said Queiro, who carries a 3.78 GPA. "It is cliché to say but it's a four-year choice. There's also the football side. I want to go to a championship contender. I want to be in an environment where the other players and coaches are working to be number one. The third factor would be an enjoyable campus life. If I'm going to be there for four years, I want to enjoy myself and not mind waking up everyday and going through a tough schedule with school and football."

Queiro has visited Rutgers, Boston College, Maryland and Penn State so far and is trying to find time to make the trip to Columbus, Ohio to see the Buckeyes and Coach Urban Meyer.