[GoRU]

CourierPostOnline - South Jersey's Web Site

After returning earlier today from an official visit to Rutgers this weekend, Marcus Witherspoon has decided to stick with his first choice.

According to Holy Spirit High School football coach Bill Walsh, Witherspoon has decided to stay with the University of Michigan. The 6-2, 225-pound All-State linebacker and Courier-Post Defensive Player of the Year made a verbal commitment to the Big Ten school last summer but re-opened the recruiting process right after Michigan named Rich Rodriguez its new head coach.

``He felt the bottom line was that a degree from Michigan has some power,'' Walsh said. ``After meeting with the new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, he felt comfortable.

``Marcus had a great visit with Rutgers. He liked (head coach) Greg Schiano, the coaching staff and the players.''

Witherspoon also made an official visit to Tennessee. Representatives from all three schools made visits to Holy Spirit in last two weeks as well.