UM, Pitt, Cuse lead for New York LB

Syracuse (N.Y.) Henninger linebacker Marquis Kirkland has received some serious interest from some of the top schools across the country. The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder has such a variety of schools from the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC.

"I'm getting a lot of mail from Pittsburgh, Michigan, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Penn State, LSU, Rutgers, Maryland and Syracuse," he said. "Right now I'm favoring Michigan, Pittsburgh and Syracuse. Those schools stand out because they have really shown an interest in me and visited my coach already.

"I like that Syracuse is close to home and they graduate a lot of their players. The coaches at Pittsburgh treat their players like sons and I like that. Finally, Michigan is a great school that I've grown up liking. They also graduate their players."

With so much variety, what is crucial in Kirkland's decision making process?

"Throughout recruiting I'm really going to be looking for a school that will take care of me and make sure I graduate," he said. "I want them to fulfill me both academically and athletically and then I want them to be straight up with me and tell me my role as a freshman. The last thing is that distance could be a factor because I want to be able to have my grandparents see me play."

Kirkland was named all-league and second team all-state as a junior after registering 95 tackles, 20 for loss, one interception and three sacks.

"On the field I'm a real intense player and I am looking to make big plays," he said. "I've got a nonstop motor and am very motivated to do whatever it takes to help my team win."

The linebacker prospect is looking at going to camps at Pittsburgh, Boston College and Michigan.