Stanzi's Stock Shoots North

In May, Scout.com, Northeast Recruiting Analyst, Bob Lichtenfels, was raving about an unknown quarterback in Ohio by the name of Ricky Stanzi. Lichtenfels is one of the top talent evaluators in the business and it seems that several college recruiters share the same views of Stanzi that he does. The 6-foot-4, 202-pounder from Mentor (Lake Catholic) has blown up this summer. Here’s the latest.

“Right now I have offers from Bowling Green and Akron,” Rick Stanzi said.

“I’ve had a lot of schools contact me and they said that they will be requesting game film our first couple of games this year.

“I’m not too worried. I have a lot of confidence and I know that I’ll perform to the best of my abilities. If I have to prove myself in September and October, so be it.”

Which schools are at the top of Stanzi’s wish list?

“Iowa, Purdue, Boston College and Ohio State are all up there,” said Stanzi. “I also have to keep it in the MAC and I’ll say Miami (Ohio), Akron and Bowling Green.”

Is there a leader at this point?

“Everyone asks me that question but I really don’t.” Stanzi explained. “I mean, I grew up a Buckeye fan living here in Ohio and yes, if they offered, it would be tough to turn down but I’m open to all the schools that have an interest in me.

“It’s different now because when you’re a young kid growing up, you just like the Buckeyes, but now that I have the ability to look at different options and opportunities, I want to make sure I take my time and make the best decision I can.”

Stanzi was very busy this summer, camping at Indiana, Purdue, Boston College, Syracuse, Ohio State and Bowling Green.

As a junior, Ricky passed for 1,800 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also used his athleticism to rush for 630 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Extra Point - Most college recruiters that have made their way through Ohio feel that Arvell Nelson and Nate Davis are the top two quarterbacks in the Buckeye State. Stanzi is a gunslinger that several schools have on their recruiting boards and as things begin to shake out during the season, Ricky could be moving up higher and higher on those boards.