Salopek takes an unofficial

Schools from the Big East and MAC are already showing interest in 6-foot-3, 200-pound linebacker Mike Salopek. The North Huntington (Pa.) Norwin prospect took a visit to one Big East school last week.

"I went to Pittsburgh over the weekend," he said. "I went down with a teammate of mine and talked to coach Junko, Cavanaugh and Wannstedt for awhile. Coach Junko was just showing us around, while Cavanaugh told me that he was looking forward to seeing me at their passing camp this summer. Coach Wannstedt said the same thing and basically asked how I'm doing and how workouts have been going."

Did anything stand out about the trip to Pittsburgh for the Keystone State linebacker?

"I liked it and was happy talking to the coaches," he said. "I felt happy leaving there, particularly with the way the coaches felt about me. They didn't mention an offer, but said they want to see me run first."

Salopek is also receiving interest from Syracuse, Buffalo, Toledo and others.

This summer the Pennsylvania linebacker plans to head to camps at Penn State, Notre Dame and Syracuse. He also mentioned he's considering ones to Akron, Buffalo and Toledo too.

With such a variety of schools showing interest, what does Salopek want in a college?

"Obviously I want to get a good education wherever I go to school and I want a nice location too," he said. "I think I want to do something in engineering, so I'll be looking at those programs. As for location, I want to be close enough.

"In general, I want a campus I like and enjoy. Of course I want somewhere I'll be able to play too."

Salopek registered approximately 120 tackles, six sacks and one interception on his way to east all-star and second team all-section honors as a junior.