New York defensive end McKenzie Mathews (6-2, 240, 4.8) said he favors Michigan (12/9 official visit) just slightly over Pittsburgh (12/2), Ohio State (10/15), Boston College (1/20), Syracuse and Miami.
"Of the trips I have taken so far, I've liked Pittsburgh and Michigan the best," said the youngster from Christian Brothers Academy in New York.
"Pitt has a deep desire for me to join them and I liked my chemistry with the team too.
"I like the chemistry at Michigan too, and also the coaching staff and the tradition they have too," he said. "And Michigan is in a college town, so there is a lot of diversity there. If I had to, I'd say that Michigan and Pittsburgh have the lead over the other schools and that Michigan has just a small advantage over Pitt.
"I don't know yet if I'm going to visit Syracuse or Miami. With Miami, they've had all these coaching changes. I might just want to see what's at Syracuse.
"I'll decide after my visit to Boston College (next weekend). I'd like to be able to decide by the 25th of this month. That will give me about a week to think about my commitment before Signing Day. Usually, your first decision is your best.
"I'll be playing defensive end in college," Mathews said. "I've played defensive end my whole life. Schools like my pass rushing ability. I just like to get to the QB. I have a feel about what to do at that spot. It's like fencing. You have to think down-and-distance and other things like what works against your opponent. It's more of a thinking man's position."
Final senior (11-1) stats: 87 tackles/26 sacks/1 interception
Mathews reports a 3.1 GPA/1160 SAT (old version).