Rivals250 TE Dickerson names top three

After staying largely quiet this spring and summer, Rivals250 tight end Garrett Dickerson has decided to narrow his list from five to three. The Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic product's top three in order is Stanford, Michigan and Northwestern.

"My dad and I have been talking about it and it's going to hard for us to get out and take any more visits this summer so we decided to shut that down," said the 6-foot-3, 236-pound Dickerson. "I explained to him that these are the three schools that I really like and felt that they wanted be to be a part of their program the most."

Stanford - "Stanford is a great place. I got out there in April with my dad," he said. "We spent a lot of time with coaches and toured the campus. We really got to spend a lot of time with Coach Shaw. We talked about how I could fit into their system and they really feel that I could come in and make an impact early, which is important to me because I don't really know if I'd like to sit around for a year and possibly redshirt."

Michigan - "I went out to Michigan last October," Dickerson explained. "I got a chance to see a game, which was amazing. I got to experience 110,000 people in the Big House. It was really impressive. I got to sit down with coaches and talk to them about how they see me coming in and making an impact on the defensive side of the ball. I could really see myself playing there."

Northwestern - "My brother (Cameron Dickerson) goes to Northwestern so I already have a connection there," he said. "I know those coaches the best because I've been out there twice. I've been trying to see how they run the place and get a good feel for their system. I was talking to Coach Fitzgerald about how they see me being an impact on either side of the ball."

Stanford has not had a quick of a start to the 2014 recruiting class as Michigan or Northwestern but that doesn't seem like it will factor into Dickerson's decision.

"The recruiting classes don't really have an impact," said Dickerson. "I'll be happy with whoever decides to choose the same school I am. These recruiting classes right now aren't a very big factor for me."

I one key component to Dickerson's decision will be contact with the coaching staff.

"I'd probably say I talk to the Stanford and Northwestern coaches the most," he said. "Michigan is right there behind them. I speak with all the coaches and the head coaches very often. It's all very close.

"I guess my communication with the coaches is what will set the schools apart," Dickerson said. "All the schools tell me they want me. If they really want to talk to me, they'll get me on the phone. My communication and the way they express to me how they see me fitting in as part of their program will be the deciding factor."

Dickerson laid out the rest of his timeline leading up to his decision.

"I have my mind pretty much set on these three schools so I don't think any other ones will be able to make a move," he said. "I'd like to take officials to all of these schools. I'll probably wait to decide because I'd like to take two or three officials."

Ohio State and Alabama were eliminated with this latest announcement from Dickerson.