One of the top defensive prospects from the Northeast region this coming recruiting season is Doug Worthington from St. Francis High School in Buffalo, New York. Worthington, 6-7 and 256 pounds, will play on both sides of the ball this season as a tight end and defensive end.
"I prefer defense," said Worthington. "I love getting after the quarterback. But in my league everyone stays away from me and I have to chase everything down. I am a strong player but I need to get stronger. I am a quick player but I need to get quicker and faster."
Worthington will actually play offense (tight end) for the first time this season. He is anxious for that opportunity. Last year as a junior, he recorded 67 tackles, 5 sacks, and 12 quarterback pressures.
"Right now, I have nine scholarship offers and Ohio State offered me today. They are all written offers. Penn State, Syracuse, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, Tennessee, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Maryland have offered me in writing. I am looking at tradition, the coaches and the academics of each school. Right now, if I had a top five it would be (in no order) Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. I am really wide open."
They don't have spring practice in New York State so Worthington will just run and lift weights between now and August. He plans on camping this summer at Indiana, Purdue, Alabama and North Carolina.