Ricker takes Florida tour

Harrisburg (Pa.) Bishop McDevitt quarterback Jeremy Ricker received a few new written offers this past week and also took a tour of Miami and Florida over the weekend to check out the 'Canes and Gators. Here's the latest on one of the nation's top signal callers.

"Miami was a good visit," said the now 6-foot-3, 200-pounder. "I met with coach Coker for about 45 minutes to an hour and then met with coach Werner (quarterbacks coach) and coach Kehoe (assistant head coach) for about a half hour each. They told me they're making the decision about what quarterbacks they offer after the Penn State NIKE Camp and the Elite College Combine.

"They said they haven't offered anyone in writing yet and have around five or six guys they are looking at closely. They're only taking one quarterback this year and they need it to be the right guy, so they want to see everyone throw in person."

Ricker will be at both events ready to compete.

"I can't wait," he said. "I'm working hard and am excited to show what I can do."

Following the Miami visit, Ricker headed north to Gainesville to check out the Gators.

"Florida was nice," he said. "I met with their new quarterbacks coach, coach Mullen, and met with coach Meyer twice for about 30 minutes each time. I also met with coach Addazio (recruiting coach) for a little while. This was my first time talking to these coaches so I got a good feel for them. Florida said they will also wait until after May 4th to offer, they want to see me throw a bit.

"They said they liked me because I can get out of the pocket and move around, which is a key to their offense. I also got to sit in on a quarterbacks meeting which was cool."

When Ricker returned he found three new written offers had been tendered.

"Virginia and Virginia Tech came, they both had verbally offered but I got them in writing now," he said. "Oregon also offered. I had talked to them a couple of times and sent tape and they offered based on the tape. I'm waiting for some other Pac 10 schools to offer as well because I have an interest in the west coast. I might visit Oregon or Oklahoma this summer."

Ricker might also take a visit this weekend.

"I might go up to Syracuse," he said. "I'm not sure though. We've been doing a lot of traveling and have more to do this month and next."

Asked to name eight schools he's most interested in, Ricker had a hard time.

"It's tough narrowing them down," he said. "I would say Notre Dame, Miami, Maryland, Oklahoma, Florida, Syracuse, Oregon and Michigan."

Out of his top eight, Ricker has offers from four.

"Maryland, Oklahoma, Syracuse and Oregon have offered," he said. "Miami and Florida are waiting and I think Notre Dame will do the same thing. They all want to wait until after they can see me at NIKE or the Elite."

Ricker has another visit planned this month.

"We're going to Notre Dame on April 23rd, I think that's the date," he said. "Just to meet the coaches and check things out."