ESPN Midwest recruiting Blog

Posted by Bill Kurelic

Defensive end Derrick Bryant (Columbus, Ohio/Brookhaven) seems to have no hesitation about leaving the Midwest for the West Coast.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder is one of the top defensive linemen in the Buckeye State and has scholarship offers from Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan State and Kansas. However, if he gets a couple Pac-10 offers things could get really interesting.

"UCLA coach Todd Howard watched me at my track meet," Bryant said. "He was impressed with my speed. He has to talk to coach (Rich) Neuheisel, but he wants to offer me. An Oregon coach saw me in track. I might know in a couple weeks if they are going to offer. UCLA will be one of my official visits for sure. If Oregon offers, that will definitely be one of my visits."

Bryant feels a number of other schools might be on the verge of offering as well including Tennessee, Boston College and Notre Dame.

"Tennessee is evaluating me," Bryant said. "Boston College and Notre Dame want me to come to their camps. Purdue wants me to come to their camp too."

Bryant said he does not have a favorite at this point and plans to take most, if not all five of his official visits.

"I want to make sure I choose the right school," he said. "Each and every school has something to offer. My job is to find the school that is the best fit for me."

Baublitz planning summer decision

Defensive end Kyle Baublitz (York, Pa./ Central) has added scholarship offers from Baylor, Akron and Temple. He currently holds 19 offers.

In addition to the three schools that have recently offered, Baublitz's list includes Penn State, Rutgers, Pitt, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Illinois, West Virginia, Boston College, Virginia, Clemson, Florida State, Stanford, Wisconsin and Maryland.

"I plan to make a Midwest trip and visit Michigan State, Michigan, Illinois and Northwestern (in June)," Baublitz said. "I'm thinking about making my commitment over the summer. I would like to decide before the (football) season."

Baublitz said he has no favorites at this point. He plans to narrow his list down after his Midwest trip, and then come up with a decision.

The 6-4, 245-pounder, who will likely play defensive end in college, made 166 tackles including three sacks during his junior season. He also had close to 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Hagan adds Michigan offer

Defensive back Chad Hagan (Canonsburg, Pa./ Canon-McMillan) has four scholarship offers as Michigan, North Carolina State and Buffalo have recently joined Illinois in extending Hagan an offer.

However, Hagan feels Ohio State may also soon offer and it is the Buckeyes that sit at the top of the 6-1, 210-pounder's list.

"(Ohio State defensive backfield) coach (Paul) Haynes tells me how much he wants me to play safety for him," Hagan said. "I think I'll be getting an offer from them pretty soon. Ohio State is still my favorite."

Hagan played both safety and running back during his junior season. He made 63 tackles and rushed for 800 yards and 12 touchdowns. Hagan had the cast removed from his left leg on Thursday, but he is still recovering from a stress fracture of the shin.