Tindall favors Pitt and Maryland

While he's still waiting on offers, linebacker/tight end James Tindall has the strength and speed to play at the next level. He's listing two of the nation's up-and-coming programs as his leaders.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder from South Orange (N.J.) Essex Catholic runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds and plays with a lot of aggressiveness.

"Pitt and Maryland are at the top of my list," said Tindall. "The coaching, education and atmosphere at those two schools are the things that have really set them apart. I've gotten good signals from both schools, and I think they may offer. Maryland has said that if they like my first three games on film they'll probably offer."

Three visits over the summer gave Tindall a good idea of what he's looking for.

"I visited Duke, Maryland and Rutgers this summer and each were good visits. The trip to Maryland was the best, and that's one of the reasons I like them so much now. Their staff was just great from what I saw and I love the way they run their practices. The campus is very nice too."

In addition to Pitt and Maryland, Tindall is interested in Virginia, NC State and Wisconsin.

"I'm just looking for a good education, a good social atmosphere and a chance to play for a great football team. All the teams I'm interested in have a chance to be very good in the coming years. I want to play for a winner in college."

As a junior Tindall recorded 88 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, two interceptions, five pass breakups, five fumbles caused and four fumble recoveries. He was named first team all-area in 2002, and first team all-conference as a sophomore.