Mike Ragone is one of the nation’s elite tight end prospects. Ragone, from Cherry Hill (N.J.) Camden Catholic High School, has 16 scholarship offers and is currently rehabbing an injury. He is also a standout wrestler and that’s how banged up his knee after going 36-0.
“I would have been in the (state) semis,”said Ragone. “I tore it about two weeks ago and hope to have surgery on April 1. I have a real good doctor and he works with the (Philadelphia) Eagles. I am rehabbing as we speak.”
According to Ragone, Southern Cal, Notre Dame, Florida State, Boston College, Rutgers, Iowa, North Carolina, NC State, Minnesota, Clemson, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio State and Penn State have offered him a scholarship.
“I am open with everyone. I grew up watching FSU and they always have great speed and a great history. And they put players in the NFL.
"So does USC and they have been No.1 or playing for No. 1 lately. I spoke with Pete Carroll recently and he seems like a great guy.
"I took a visit to Notre Dame and I like them a lot. They have great tradition and when they offered all I could say was 'wow'.
"I have a friend that plays lacrosse at Ohio State and he loves it there. They should have a great team and they have a top program.
"Penn State is a school that I have been too and I feel comfortable there. They also have a good school.”
Ragone, 6-5 and 230 pounds, runs in the 4.45/ 4.5 range. He is good enough to play on either side of the ball as a tight end or defensive end. Ragone prefers offense.
“I have speed and agility. Speed is my best attribute. Teams don’t think a guy like me can run like I can. It is deceptive because I have killer speed. I am a good blocker but need to work on it. In fact, I want to work on everything.”