Sizemore one of PAs best in 09

Linebacker Nick Sizemore is one of the top prospects at his position in Pennsylvania's Class of 2009. As he continues to grow and physically mature over the next two seasons he should begin to garner attention from more programs.

At 6-foot-0, 210 pounds, Sizemore recorded 80 tackles as a sophomore linebacker last year at Lancaster (Pa.) Manheim Township. He stood out at a camp earlier this summer.

"Nick attended the Pitt 7 on 7 camp and the Extreme Exposure Camp," said his father Duane Sizemore. "At Pitt, his team lost in the finals of their bracket and he played well on both offense and defense. The Pitt coaches that I talked with were impressed with this play. At Extreme Exposure, Nick had a chance to compete against some of the top talent in the Northeast."

While he would entertain attention a wide variety of schools, one would seem to have an early advantage.

"Nick has always dreamed of playing for Notre Dame and if the opportunity presented itself, he would be extremely interested," his father continued. "His team has been to Pitt many times and he is very comfortable there. A linebacker coach from UCLA was an instructor at the Extreme Exposure Camp and spent a lot of time talking with us regarding his school. Rutgers, Maryland and Indiana are also intriguing possibilities. I played at Indiana myself.

"I know he'll be looking for a sound balance between academics and athletics, and a solid program with a stable coaching staff. The opportunity to play early and continue to develop as a player (will be important)."

Pound for pound, Sizemore may be one of the stronger prospects in Pennsylvania's Class of 2009. That strength has always benefitted him and that should continue to be the case.

"Nick is a big hitter with a natural nose for the football," his father said. "He excels as a lead blocker at fullback and is known for breaking tackles as a running back. At linebacker, he has a reputation as a run stopper and seems to make big plays at critical times during a game.

"Physically, Nick has always been very strong for his size and is one of the strongest players on his team. He's going to continue to improve on his speed and pass coverage skills."