Spartans lead for Jersey linebacker

One of New Jersey's top prospects took an official visit to Michigan State last weekend and he loved the Spartan campus. While he still has four official visits left, Coach John L. Smith appears to be in good position with this highly touted prospect.

"I'd say Michigan State is my favorite," said 6-foot-5, 230-pound linebacker Hugh D'Imperio. "Even before the visit I thought they were my top school. It's really been a fight between them and Virginia Tech for the most part all along. Those two are still at the top now, but I'd give an edge to Michigan State. That's kind of natural at this point, since that's the only official visit I've taken, but it might be more than that."

What did he have a chance to do at Michigan State?

"There weren't too many students there because it's break, but I still had a good time. They had a lot of food there for me," he laughed. "That was a good idea on their part. The coaches and players seemed to be good people and the academic support system is second-to-none. They do a great job of making sure their athletes get it done in the classroom."

D'Imperio has been busy setting up official visits, and now has all four remaining trips planned out. He'll go to North Carolina (Jan. 9), Tennessee (Jan. 16), Minnesota (Jan. 23), and Virginia Tech (Jan. 30). Is there a chance he'll commit before taking all his visits?

"As much as I like Michigan State, I'm leaning towards waiting," he said. "Virginia Tech has been a school I've liked for a long time, so I should probably at least get out there before making my decision. And who knows -- maybe one of the other schools will show me something."