Slocum names final eight

Philadelphia (Pa.) West Catholic offensive guard/defensive tackle Marques Slocum has been very busy this summer, touring 16 different schools. After all these unofficial visits, the 6-foot-4, 331-pounder has narrowed his list down to eight schools.

"We went all over the place, I can't even name all the schools I saw," said Slocum, ranked as the No. 1 guard prospect in the nation by Rivals.com. "I feel pretty comfortable now in naming eight schools I favor."

So who are they?

"In no real order, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, LSU and Oklahoma," he said. "I have offers from all of them except for Miami. They got my tape late and said they'd contact me when the season starts and possibly offer."

Slocum will begin setting up official visits soon.

"I know I'll visit Michigan for sure and I'm already looking at the Michigan State-Notre Dame game (Sept. 17 visit weekend)," he said. "I will also probably visit Virginia for sure and Miami if they offer me. I plan to narrow it down to five pretty soon and those will be my official visits. I've visited all of them once already except for Oklahoma."

Slocum is being recruited by everyone as a defensive tackle, the position he prefers. He wants to attend school with his teammate and friend, Derrell Hand.

"We took all of our visits together this summer and we'd like to pick the same school," he said. "Hopefully that will work out."