'09 PA TE Brock DeCicco (Pittsburgh Verbal)

[Bernini]

Originally Posted by TroyD92

I understand I think we are starting to shift our NE recruiting more into SE(Georgia,SC,ETC..)

Ahhh, the deep south, where old habits and opinions die hard. Like Wisconsin still sucks like they did in 70's and the SEC is the only conference that's relevant. Also, the weather here is tantamount to Antarctica's. If you ask me it's a ridiculous strategy to think we can procure enough coveted recruits to justify the funds and time spent recruiting the area.

The northeast made sense on so many different levels. There isn't much of a discrepancy between their and our weather. New York and Connecticut don't have stable high major programs with which to compete. Rutgers could be a flash in the pan created by the Big East realignment. The nearby Big 10 is better than the Big East and ACC, and I think they know it. People are liberal in the northeast so they can change quicker with the times and realize Wisconsin is just below an elite program.

I hope I'm wrong but I don't see the experiment ending up in anything other than disaster.

Glad to see we're in hot pursuit of at least one stud from the northeast though.

[Bernini]

Rivals $

7/12
by Paul Day, Badger Blitz

DeCicco has basically narrowed his list to Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. Plans on visiting Wisconsin in early August, then wants to decide before his school year, but will wait until during if he doesn't feel strong enough about a school yet.

Pitt and Wisconsin have been the only two constants among his favorites, so expect him to pull the trigger on one of those two. If Madison lives up to his expectations, he'll probably commit here in August. Otherwise he might wait and visit the Florida schools. Then settle on Pittsburgh if they don't impress him? I don't think Iowa or Illinois has a realistic shot. Spread-option offenses aren't particularly tight end friendly and the stature of Iowa's program outside Iowa is declining.

[wadc45]

Rivals $

7/29

From O&B News...says he is down to Wisconsin, Illinois, Pittsburgh and Iowa. Has been to Pittsburgh and is visiting the other three this weekend. Talks about his contact with Coach Pry.

[OnWisconsin07]

He wants to decide before his practice starts on August 10th, so I am guessing we will know shortly after this weekend.....probably mid-next week. I am excited to hear. Still think Pitt....but I am guessing UW is a close 2nd. Hopefully the visit to Madison can seal the deal.

[badgerinseattle]

Did anyone read the article that said he liked one school he visited a lot? Anyone know which one he said that about?

[OnWisconsin07]

Do you know the approximate date of the article and which service? There was an article written by rivals talking about how he was only planning one trip and that was to UW. But, of course, we know he visited IL, UW, and IA this past weekend.

That might be the one you are thinking of.

[badgerinseattle]

It was on Scout, and I think it was August 3rd.

[wadc45]

He said he didn't realize how much he would like Madison and thus liked his Wisconsin visit the best...

[Bernini]

Sure to titillate, the writer of the August 3rd article alluded to Bucky moving ahead of Pitt and becoming his favorite (although he wasn't directly quoted as making such a declaration). Reiterated how he was enthralled with Wisconsin's use of TE's for the 23rd time (I never get sick of it). Also, like OnWisconsin said, he'd like to make a decison by early next week. So we might get some wonderful news on the recruiting front within the next few days.

[Bernini]

Rivals $ (national)

8/10
by Mike Farrell

Wisconsin and Pittsburgh lead Iowa. DeCicco has decided to delay his self imposed 8/11 deadline but still plans to decide before his senior season.

[wadc45]

Rivals $

8/12

From the Pitt site...visisted his brother and the Pitt staff last weekend and still says Pitt and Wisconsin lead. Says he will decide when it feels right.

Blue Chip Chat with ... Brock Decicco

Catching up with the area's top high school football players
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
By Colin Dunlap, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

School: Thomas Jefferson

Position: TE/DE

Height: 6-5

Weight: 225

THE SKINNY: A driving force behind Thomas Jefferson's 16-0 run to WPIAL and PIAA Class AAA titles as a junior last season, DeCicco is one of this senior class' top recruits.

COLLEGE TALK: Has narrowed his list down to four schools -- Pitt, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.

WHY IS THOMAS JEFFERSON SO GOOD YEAR AFTER YEAR? I think it all comes down to being prepared and because of how hard coach (Bill) Cherpak works us in our summer workouts.

Continued...

[Bernini]

Pittsburgh Tribune

by Dave Mackall
August 16

The DeCicco name will remain synonymous with the powerful Thomas Jefferson football program for another year. And Brock DeCicco, the third in a line of standout DeCicco brothers, is about to perform an encore this season that he hopes will top all of his siblings.
"He has as much or more potential than either of his brothers," Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak said.
Brock DeCicco, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound tight end and defensive end, is receiving interest from a handful of Bowl Championship Series conference schools, including Pitt, where one brother, Dom, is vying for a starting spot in the secondary.

But DeCicco isn't letting his recruitment get in the way of his senior season. "I wanted to get it done before the season, but I don't know what I'm going to do yet. Sure, it's going to be on my mind," said Brock DeCicco, whose college considerations also include Tennessee, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois.
DeCicco played alongside another brother, Zach, last season, when Thomas Jefferson went 16-0 and won the PIAA Class AAA title. Zach DeCicco is now a freshman defensive back at Slippery Rock.
With Dom and Zach gone from the high school ranks, Cherpak said feels this year's team at Thomas Jefferson is Brock's to lead.
"This is his time in the spotlight. He's become a leader of the team," Cherpak said. "He learned the things he knows now from his brothers and what they did while they were playing here."
Brock DeCicco's demeanor is a reflection of his older brothers, who have been such a visible part of the program. Cherpak pointed out that Dom DeCicco was a vocal leader, and Zach DeCicco was a quiet leader.
"He's got a little bit of both in him," Cherpak said.
With training camp under way this week, Cherpak has had more time to study Brock DeCicco, his big two-way performer, and he continues to be amazed at what he's seen.
"The kid is big," Cherpak said. "When he holds the football in his hands, you can just see how big he is."
Will it all translate into an amazing season for DeCicco, who last year had a modest 16 receptions for 339 yards and four touchdowns?
"He has to touch the ball 10-to-15 times a game in order for him to be effective and to help to carry us," Cherpak said. "When things are going bad, he's got to be able to pick us up."
DeCicco insists he couldn't be any more willing to accept the challenge.
"We talk about the little things, about being a leader, about how my brothers did it," DeCicco said. "A lot of what they have done has kind of made me who I am. I've watched them for years. I watch tight ends (on TV) now, and I study things like how they run their patterns. It all gives me motivation.
"I think I have a lot of natural ability, and I want to combine that with what I can learn from others. Coach Cherpak is a motivator, and that's something that I can learn a lot from."

[wadc45]

Rivals $

8/25

From the Wisconsin site...down to Wisconsin, Pitt, Iowa and Tennessee. Talks about the addition of Tennessee to his list and says he is focused on his season and now has no timetable for a decision.