Throwback LB Chris Colasanti

It was Michigan that had the top linebacker in the Midwest this past season and the Wolverine State will once again hold that honor in 2006. Chris Colasanti, a 6-foot-2, 230-pounder, from Birmingham (Mich.) Brother Rice was an all-state performer in 2005 and he has received several scholarship offers.

“I have scholarship offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Boston College, Stanford, Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan.” Chris Colasanti said.

“My favorites are Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Boston College, Stanford, Notre Dame and Penn State. I really don’t have a leader. I grew up a Notre Dame fan because of the whole ‘Rudy’ thing. I thought it would be cool to play football there but now I’m just looking for the best fit.”

Colasanti started his high school career at Notre Dame Prep in Pontiac, Mich., and transferred to Brother Rice mid-semester of his sophomore year.

“I was looking for a better academic atmosphere and Brother Rice had that,” Colasanti explained. “I had to sit out a semester because of the transfer rules. I was a baseball player but now I’ve decided to concentrate on football.

“I had 153 tackles, four sacks and an interception this past season. We went 12-2 and won a state championship. I think the strength of my game is that I’m a hard-hitter. I’ve also started to become more of a student of the game. I’m watching film a lot now and becoming better at reading my keys.

“I want to work on getting quicker this spring and summer. My speed is alright but I want to get quicker. I got timed at 4.6 in the 40-yard dash.”

Colasanti has attended junior days at Michigan, Michigan State and Notre Dame. He flew to Stanford recently to visit the Cardinal as well. Colasanti said all three were very good visits but he’s looking forward to this weeks visit to Ohio State the most.

“Ohio State invited me to come down to Columbus on Thursday to watch A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter for their Pro Timing Day. I can’t wait to get down there for that. I’m excited to watch them work out. A.J. and Bobby have set the bar high for all linebackers.”

Colasanti isn’t sure when he’ll give his verbal commitment but he does have a graduation timeline in mind.

“I’d like to graduate early,” Colasanti said. “But I’ll have to check my credit hours. We have more credit hours required at (Brother) Rice than most public schools require but I’m definitely going to look into it.”

Colasanti carries a 3.6 GPA in the classroom. He plans on taking his ACT in April.