Blair Academy speedster close to Spartan offer

Last spring Ed Imeokparia burst on the recruiting scene after a strong NIKE Camp performance in which he clocked an electronic 4.41 forty-yard dash. Imeokparia was set for a big fall season at Newark High School in Delaware, but he was ruled ineligible due to a transfer issue. He ended up enrolling at Blair Academy and now is on track to graduate this December.

The changing of states and schools may have been a blessing in disguise as Imeokparia has excelled at Blair Academy and is seeing his recruiting stock take off this spring. When we spoke with him last night he gave us the latest details on his recruitment.

"Things are going real well," he said "Lots of schools have stopped by Blair, and I already have offers from Cincinnati, Boston College, Purdue and Wake Forest. Michigan State stopped into school earlier today. I have spoken with Coach Narduzzi from there."

So what level of interest do the Spartans have?

"Coach Narduzzi has said they like me and they could be offering soon. He just needs to go over my film with the head coach."

At one point some thought the speedy recruit could project better in the defensive secondary, but 5-foot–11, 196–pound Imeokparia has added almost 10-pounds of quality muscle over the past year and now teams like him almost exclusively as a running back.

As far as when a decision could be made, Imeokparia offered the following.

"I want to see what other schools offer me this spring and summer. I would like to make my decision before my season if I can."

Despite spending the extra fall at Blair Academy, Imeokparia is still age appropriate.

"I started high school when I was 13, he said. I am still only 18-years old and won't turn 19 until after football season."

Imeokparia is a solid student and is good to go as far as NCAA qualifications.

Michigan State will likely take two running backs for the class of 2008. The fact that Jehuu Caulcrick is set to graduate and the previous staff did not recruit a running back in 2006, has left the running back position thin from a depth standpoint.

SpartanMag.com will be sure to keep in-touch with Imeokparia in the coming weeks. If the Spartan staff pulls the trigger in the near future, we will be sure to let Spartan fans know.

Name: Ed Imeokparia

City, State: Blairstown, NJ

Position: Running back

Class: 2008

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