One of the best interior linemen in western Pennsylvania is 6-foot-3, 280 pound Matt Barone of Montour (PA). Starting for the Spartans at guard, Barone has helped lead the Pittsburgh area team to the state championship game the last two seasons. Although they’ve come up short on both occasions, college coaches have taken notice.
“I’m hearing from Kent State, Purdue, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Georgia Tech, Rutgers, Michigan State, Missouri, Illinois and West Virginia,” said Barone, who indicated Bowling Green, Georgia Tech, Buffalo and Rutgers were the four schools that have been after him the hardest.
In the next few weeks, the Keystone State native plans to head to Junior Days at Kent State, Purdue, Cincinnati and Georgia Tech.
The home town Panthers was a team he rooted for early on, but that’s changed in recent years.
“I loved Pitt growing up, but their program has been disappointing the last year or two,” said Barone.
As for the arch rival Mountaineers, the interest has been pretty steady for a few months.
“West Virginia sends me a few letters a week,” he said. “And I talked to one of the coaches [Dunlap] when he visited and he told me they were pretty interested.”
For a school to step up and get his signature, there are three aspects they need to impress him with.
“The most important things to me are location, facilities and academics.”
For his junior season highlights, CLICK HERE
- Chris Anderson
- WVU & BC Insider - 247Sports