Spartans lead for Ohio DE
Akron (Ohio) Garfield defensive end Whitney Mercilus is one of the top defensive ends in the nation. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder is not only ranked as the No. 12 weakside defensive end in the nation, he's also ranked as the No. 23 player in Ohio.
And looking at his offer list, it's also easy to see he's a hit with the college coaches, too.
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Mercilus has offers from Michigan State, Arkon, Ball State, Bowling Green, Boston College, Illinois and Kansas. Lately he's been hearing more from the Big Ten schools.
"Illinois is the school I hear from the most," he said. "Then Purdue, I've been hearing a lot from them. I've been to a couple camps. I've been to Akron and Toledo. Right now, I'm doing summer school though, so I can graduate early."
Mercilus said he think he's he has a leader at this point.
"Basically I just want to choose the best school of whoever comes," he said. "My favorite right now is probably Michigan State. I like all the T.V. attention they get when they play teams like Ohio State. I like how they run their offense and defense."
But don't expect him to make a decision any time soon.
"I'll probably take one or two of my official visits," he said. "I'd like to visit Illinois and Purdue eventually."
Mercilus is already ready for the 2007 season.
"We're looking pretty decent going into this season, but we're losing players," he said. "The only goal for me is trying to make it to the All-American Bowl."