[wadc45]

ESPN - Midwest Recruiting Blog

Paterno looks to make up ground with star New Jersey lineman
Defensive lineman Ike Holmes (Hoboken, N.J.) has made an official visit to Florida, has another one scheduled to Maryland the weekend of Nov. 22 and says he will schedule a trip to Oklahoma.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Holmes is also considering Penn State, Tennessee, Pitt and Rutgers. Holmes has scholarship offers from all seven schools.

"I really can't say I have a favorite," Holmes said. "I have a strong top three. I'd say its Maryland, Rutgers and Pitt. Penn State and Florida are in my top five."

Holmes has visited Penn State multiple times. He attended the Ohio State at Penn State game last season and the Michigan at Penn State game this season.

"I loved it," Holmes said. "I loved the fan support. I felt like I was at home there. I speak to Penn State all the time."

Joe Paterno has some catching up to do, but he is making a definite effort to land one of the top defensive line prospects on the East Coast.

After making 83 tackles and 11 sacks his junior season, Holmes has helped Hoboken win five of seven games this season. He has 51 tackles and four sacks.