Michigan State is in the process of evaluating and recruiting linebacker Ryan Cheek of Lancaster, Ohio. The 6-foot-0, 232-pound prospect already has an impressive list of scholarships and has been to Michigan State several times to see the campus and speak with the coaches. Spartanmag.com spoke with Cheek about his recruitment and where he stands at this point.

"I visited North Carolina State and Maryland last week. North Carolina State offered me a scholarship and Maryland had offered a while ago. I had a good time, I liked both schools."
In addition to the Terrapins and the Wolfpack, Cheek also has scholarship offers from the University of Cincinnati, Akron and Kent State.
What schools that have yet to offer are showing Cheek the most interest?
"Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, Michigan State and Wisconsin," Cheek said. "I hear from those schools pretty often. I talk to the coaches there about once a week."
As far as the Spartans, Cheek had the following to say.
"I like it up there; it is a real nice place. The coaches told me they want me to come up there for a day of camp this summer."
Linebacker Coach Mike Tressel serves as the primary recruiter of Cheek for Michigan State.
As far as when a decision could be made, Cheek informed Spartanmag.com that he wants to make his selection sooner, rather than later.
I plan on choosing my school this summer, he said. "I want to make my decision before my senior year so I can focus on helping my team win football games and school."
As far as what factors will go into his decision-making process, Cheek offered the following:
"A lot will depend on how I get along with the coaches and the players, especially the players. I know that coaches may not always be there, but the people that are going to be your teammates will be. "
Cheek does not have a specific plan mapped out for summer visits, but it is very likely that he will be in East Lansing for a day of camp to work personally with Coach Tressel. Not only will that allow the staff to evaluate him in person, but it will allow Cheek to develop some rapport with his possible future position coach.
Cheek enjoyed an outstanding junior year for Lancaster High School. He played quarterback and linebacker for his team and ended the season with 93 tackles, including 21 TFL's. For his efforts he was named 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-District and 2nd Team All -Ohio. With a majority of starters returning, look for big things from Cheek and Lancaster High this fall.
In addition to football, Cheek also participates in track and field. He competes in the shot and discus as well as the 100-Meters and the 4x100 relay. As a sophomore he had a personal best of 48'9 inches and is looking to break the 50-foot mark this spring.

Spartanmag.ocm will be sure to keep in-touch with Cheek in the coming weeks. Ohio is loaded with quality linebacker prospects and with the Michigan State staff having such strong ties to the state of Ohio, you can be sure Cheek is a player that will be thoroughly evaluated.





...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now for a FREE Trial