Vallone closing in on a decision

Central Islip (N.Y.) St. Anthony's defensive tackle Scott Vallone is quickly approaching a decision. The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder plans to take a couple more visits soon before making a decision by the end of the month.

"I'm planning to go to Rutgers on the 10th and visit with coach Flood and Schiano a bit," he said. "Then I'm probably going to go to Boston College on the 16th. On those visits, I'm just going to be looking for the comfort level I have at both schools. By the end of the month I'm going to probably make a decision, but I don't have a date yet."

Currently the Empire State prospect claims he's down to six schools.

"I'm looking at Rutgers, Boston College, Virginia, Maryland, Syracuse and Connecticut," he said. "I like those schools because they all take football and academics seriously. I can say there are some schools that stick out amongst the list over the others, but I'd rather not say right now."

Vallone went in-depth about his final six.

"Rutgers is a program where the players the past four or five years have made recruits look at them. They aren't in a negative light anymore," he said. "I've been talking to Syracuse since my sophomore year. Coach Robinson has also coached defensive linemen in the NFL which is a big plus.

"Boston College is a recognized name academically and their football is turning back to the top in the ACC. I'm real familiar and comfortable with Virginia's program since my teammate John-Kevin Dolce goes there. I've visited three times.

"I'm being recruited by the defensive line coach at Maryland, Sollazzo which is a big plus. He might be the recruiter I've been in touch with the most out of any of them. Finally, UConn's facilities are unbelievable. They've put a lot of money in their program and they are moving up."