Recruiting starts again for JUCO end

Following a stint at Michigan State, defensive end Hugh D'Imperio is back on the market. Now the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder is preparing to make the jump from junior college to another program.

"I've talked to a few coaches so far, Marshall, coach Flood from Rutgers and Syracuse, that's about it right now," he said. "I don't know if a lot of schools know where I am. I know my teammate Shea McKeen is getting a lot of calls and he's telling them I'm here too. I don't think anyone has offered either."

Now going back through the recruiting process a second time, what is he looking for in a school?

"I know a lot more things to look for when going on a visit," he said. "I'm a little smarter and I have no favorites.

"I just would love to go to a school that's more in a city environment. I'm a classified student so I want somewhere I can get academic help. I'm going to see which school provides the most support. Also, I'd love to go to a school with a good following because I want to come out of there with a good job. I'm trying to major in sports management, so maybe somewhere I could be a grad assistant. A couple other things, I want to go somewhere I can win and location is a factor. Michigan State was kind of far and I felt on away from everyone. I'd like to stay on the East Coast."

D'Imperio did mention a desire to play with fellow Nassau teammate, defensive end Shea McKeen as well.

Obviously D'Imperio has family at Rutgers in his brother, Ryan. Is that a factor?

"I'd love to go to Rutgers. The whole coaching staff is close with my family, but I'm going to look around."

As for his eligibility, D'Imperio plans to graduate this winter.

"I'm going to enroll in January and should be able to play spring ball wherever I decide," he said. "How many years I have left is a little more complicated. I know I have at least one, but if everything works out I may be able to play two."

This season, the junior college prospect has played big for Nassau.

"I'm doing pretty well," he said. "I'm the starting strongside linebacker. I'm getting in on blitzes and have about five sacks this year. I try to shoot for about 10 tackles, one sack and one interception a game to push myself hard.

"I'm feeling good playing linebacker, since I'm not really used to putting my hand down. I'm willing to play end though too in college. I wouldn't mind being a quickside end, strongside doesn't fit me. I'm not used to being double teamed. I'm used to flying around."