St. John closer to decision

Irmo (S.C.) Dutch Fork offensive tackle Stephen St. John still has two ACC programs at the top of his list and is closer to making a final decision between the two schools.

"Maryland and Wake Forest are still on top," St. John said. "I planned to make a decision before the season starts. I don't know if that's going to happen or not. It will probably happen before the regular season starts, though.

"I think it will be before our first game."

Recently, the 6-foot-6, 285-pound St. John took an unofficial visit to College Park, Md., to check out the Terps.

"It went fantastic," he said. "I really liked meeting all the coaches and the facilities."

During his trip, he got to meet with Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen.

"I like the fact that he wanted to win another ACC Championship, but he's also interested in seeing his players graduate," St. John said. "Plus, Maryland has one of the best criminology departments in the nation and that's kind of what I want to do. You can get internships with the F.B.I. and stuff like that, so that's cool."

Al Seamonson is the recruiter of record for Maryland.

Wake Forest is still strong with St. John as well.

"I used to live really close to Wake Forest, so it's kind of got that close to home feel," he said. "They are also a very strong academic. I know the area. I feel they are a program on the rise."

St. John, rated a two-star prospect by Rivals.com, also has a scholarship offer from Marshall.