Tough decision ahead for OL Roche

Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco offensive lineman Brian Roche took an unofficial visit to Miami over the last couple of days, leaving him with a very tough decision ahead.

"Miami was very nice, a lot different than I thought it would be based on what I've heard," said the 6-foot-5, 282-pounder. "It's not a lot different from schools around here, just a bunch of good players working very hard to get better. The difference at Miami is how good the players are, they are all pretty impressive."

Roche, who is down to Miami and Rutgers for his final decision, isn't sure when he'll decide now.

"I'm more comfortable at Rutgers, but I think being at a place where I'm less comfortable might be better in some ways because it would push me," he said. "Playing against that kind of talent at Miami every day would be amazing and make me a much better player."

While Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano spent 10 hours with Roche and his family a couple weeks ago on his unofficial visit, Miami spent just as much time on him.

"Coach Cristobal was with us all day when we got there and then I spent around two hours with coach Coker and a bunch of time with coach Hargreaves and coach Kehoe," he said. "They really showed me how interested they were in me."

So what's next?

"I talk things over with my parents over the next few days and see what happens," he said. "I'm not going to rush it if I don't feel it. There's a chance I could wait and take an official visit down to Miami to see how things are in that setting and if I wait longer, I might open things up a little more and see what other teams are out there."

Roche has more than 30 offers and has also mentioned interest in North Carolina, Oklahoma, Boston College, Wisconsin and others.

"If I wait, I might take a couple more officials," he said. "But I could also decide over the next few days. Part of me really wants to get this over with and decide, but I need to be sure."

Roche was named AP all-state, all-parochial, all-leage and all-North Jersey as a junior.