Ohio D-Lineman - Nick Larkin

St. Xavier head coach Steve Rasso talks about his prized recruit Nick Larkin. Larkin is being compared with all the former greats at St. X

If you’re looking for the best prep football in the Midwest, look no further than the Buckeye State.

Ohio continues to be the leader in producing D-1 football talent and one of the best prep prospects this year is 6-foot-5, 255-pound, defensive lineman Nick Larkin.

Larkin, from Cincinnati (St. Xavier) has received high praise from opponents, opposing coaches, fellow D-1 prospects in the Cincinnati area and most importantly, his head coach Steve Rasso.

“First of all, I want to say that Nick (Larkin) is verbally committed to Boston College.” Said Rasso.

“Nick looked at all the oppurtunities that were presented to him and Boston College seemed like the best fit. Boston College is a class program run by quality people.

“I think very highly of the BC coaches and their head coach (Tom O’Brien) is a St. X(avier) graduate.

“I want what’s best for my kids. Coach (Jim) Tressel does a great job at Ohio State and I wouldn’t have any problems sending any of my kids to Ohio State but I like the kids to do their homework and make the best decisions for themselves.

“Nick is a fantastic football player. I’ve been at St. X for over 20 years and I’ve coached Rocky Boiman, Melvin Johnson, Lamar Marshall and several others and Nick is right there with the best.

“What separates Nick from everyone else is his intensity. Sometimes Nick gets so intense we have to calm him down. He’s a big, quick defensive lineman that has a nose for the ball. He (Larkin) just knows how to play the game.”

Nick Larkin should be well prepared for the tough Big East conference. St. Xavier plays in a very solid Catholic conference with Moeller, La Salle and Elder.

St. Xavier has also scheduled games with the top schools in Nashville (Brentwood Academy) and Indianapolis (Cathedral) and they’ll also go head to head with one of the best programs from the Cleveland area in St. Ignatius.