Troutman misses MSU visit

Browns Mills (N.J.) Pemberton Township defensive end Johnnie Troutman was scheduled to take his second official visit of the season this past weekend to Michigan State. The 6-foot-4, 289-pounder didn't make the trip. Rivals caught up with Troutman to find out why.

"I didn't go because of the snow in the area, it was too difficult getting out of here," he said. "I'm still going to try to go up there sometime in the future, I may head up there on January 27th."

What does Troutman like about Michigan State?

"I like that they have great tradition and a great stadium that seats a lot of fans who come and support the team."

Currently, Penn State is the three-star prospect's leader.

"I'd say they probably are because I've been there a couple times and am really comfortable with the people," he said. "I like coach Johnson a lot because he's laid back and cares about his players, that is important to me. I also like that they have great tradition, great coaches and a lot of good young players."

Just last week Virginia lost many of their coaches due to promotions. What does Troutman think of the changes?

"UVA has really good coaches and a great head coach," he said. "I heard about the changes and I'd say it affects me a little bit, but I'm not that worried about it."

Two other schools the No. 22 strongside defensive end in the country plans to visit in January are Maryland and Ohio State.

"I like Ohio State because they always have a great team and good players," he said. "They are also always a bowl team and up for the national championship regularly because of their great staff.

"Maryland has great coaches too and three out of the last five years they've gone to bowl games, so they are doing very well."