Will Jersey LB follow brother to MSU

One of the top juniors from New Jersey for 2006 is linebacker Ryan D'Imperio out of Sewell (N.J.) Washington Township. His older brother, Hugh, signed with Michigan State in 2004. Will he follow?

The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder already holds offers from West Virginia and Rutgers and is receiving interest from Michigan State, Syracuse, Toledo, Alabama, Boston College, Pittsburgh and every school in the Big Ten and ACC.

It's not surprising seeing that D'Imperio was named a first team all-group running back as he posted over 1,000 yards rushing with 17 touchdowns. D'Imperio helped Washington Township to an 8-4 record this past season. As a linebacker, he was named first team all-group linebacker where he registered 60 tackles (seven for loss) two interceptions, five sacks and a defensive touchdown.

"I improved a lot offensively and defensively. Last year nobody knew who I was, but this year I put even better numbers as teams were keying on me, so I feel I did better."

So who is leading for the linebacker?

"I like Virginia a lot, because they have a good football team and their academics are good too. After them it's probably, Virginia Tech, Miami, West Virginia, Michigan State and Michigan."

This summer D'Imperio is planning to attend the football camp at Michigan State where his brother attends school along with a Nike camp.

So what does he want out of a school?

"Overall, I want to go somewhere that is a little bit warmer, but mainly I want to go to a good football school with solid academics, and probably a ranked school."

As for what position he'll play in college, D'Imperio prefers defense.

"I want to play linebacker, but I might be better at running back. I'll play either or, but I've always liked defense a lot better since I was a kid."