By Steve Patterson

    New Jersey Defensive End Anthony LaLota has not played football very long but has great athleticism for his size which allowed him to put up very good statistics as a junior this past season. “My best attributes are my speed, size, and athleticism, and also my toughness and relentless nature in getting after the quarterback or making a tackle.” LaLota told us about his play on the field.

    Playing on the defensive line for Princeton, NJ Hun School, LaLota gave quarterbacks trouble all season long. “My stats were 40 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass deflection.” He told us. Amazingly, he has only played football for one year but his team went undefeated during that one season. “Since I've only played football for one year, there is not a whole lot of time to reflect on, but I would say the highlight was our last game of the season when we went undefeated.”

    College football programs across the country have taken notice of this Rivals Top 250 prospect. Schools such as Arkansas, Florida, LSU, Miami (FL), Notre Dame, and Penn State have already offered. “I have 23 offers right now and am expecting several more during the evaluation period in May.” LaLota reported about his current list of school interest.

    He has been busy visiting programs that have shown early interest but has not made it to Columbus just yet. “I have not yet visited OSU.” LaLota explained to us. “I have visited Notre Dame, Florida, Rutgers, and Virginia, and I thought that all of the visits were enjoyable and positive experiences.”

    What bodes well for Ohio State is their business school strength, their coaching staff, and the family atmosphere that is present within the football team. “I am looking first and foremost for a strong business program since academics are critical for me, and also a strong football program and tradition, a coaching staff that I fit in with, and somewhere where I feel comfortable with the campus and the people within the school.”

    Narrowing down the list of 23 schools has not yet begun for LaLota but the criteria are set for a reduced list. “I have not yet set a definitive list of favorite schools, but the schools I do like meet the criteria that I am looking for.”