Rutgers and Syracuse lead for Cumba

After a summer of camps and visits offensive lineman Eric Cumba has had a chance to look at all the schools he's been considering. The smoke has cleared, and Cumba has settled on two leaders.

"Rutgers and Syracuse are my two favorites," said Cumba. "I also like Boston College, Wisconsin and Central Michigan. My only offer at this point is from New Hampshire, but some schools want to see me play a couple of games in this upcoming season."

What does he like about the Scarlet Knights and Orangemen?

"It's exciting to flirt with the possibility of playing under coach Schiano and helping to bring Rutgers football back where it needs to be," he explained. "They're close to home and the coaching staff is very good.

"If you wouldn't get excited about putting on a Syracuse uniform then something must be wrong with you," Cumba continued. "So many outstanding players have sat in their locker room. It's great to think about trying to carry on the tradition they've built over the years. They have a great line coach and I love the Carrier Dome."

This summer Cumba camped at Rutgers, Syracuse, Boston College, Hofstra and Rhode Island. What has got him interested in some other schools he's listing?

"Boston College is in a great location and I love their facilities and stadium. They have a great tradition and a very nice campus. At Wisconsin I could be playing around so many other good players. And the Big Ten is an outstanding conference. The biggest draw for Central Michigan is playing time. I could contribute early there."

The 6-foot-2, 293-pound offensive guard runs the 40-yard dash in 5.3 seconds and went both ways last year for Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep. He was an all-state selection as a junior.