With no favorites, Scarpinato is wide open

Currently, five known in-state prospects have received scholarship offers from the Wisconsin Badgers. Only one of those prospects, Melvin Gordon, has not verbally committed to play for Bret Bielema and the Wisconsin staff.

A name that many fans in the state of Wisconsin will keep their eye on this summer is Mark Scarpinato of Milwaukee (Wis.) Marquette.

Already with eight scholarship offers on the table, Scaprinato will be hitting the road, making a number of camp stops in search of more college suitors.

"Coach Ross from Army came into school today," Scarpinato told Badgerblitz.com. "We bumped into each other and he said he wanted to offer me a scholarship. He told me that he hasn't even seen my film, but based on the type of guy I am and my grades, I'd be the perfect guy for West Point."

"It has definitely crossed my mind before (enlisting in the Army)," he continued. "It's a different type of college football, but I'm definitely open to it. Sure, you have a five year commitment after football, but with a degree from West point you can pretty much do anything."

Another school that has admittedly caught the attention of Scarpinato is Stanford.

"Recently, Stanford entered the picture," Scarpinato said. "They flew a coach in and I've decided to go to their camp on the 12th (June). I'm extremely excited about that. Stanford has great academics and great athletics."

Scarpinato, whose weight is fluctuating around 260 pounds, took first place in shot put and second place in discus last week during his WIAA sectional final track meet. He qualified for state in both events.

"Coach (Bob) Bostad called me today (Friday) and we had a nice talk," said Scarpinato, who teamed with Badger signees Marcus and Michael Trotter last season. "He said he's really excited to get me up to camp. I'm still in the process of planning, but because of the Michigan State camp, I'll be going to Madison on the 21st. It's possible that I'll stay for the 22nd, but I'm not sure yet.

"We also plan on going to Cincinnati and Northwestern. Now that finals are over, I'll be able to get everything scheduled."

With things beginning to take form, Scarpinato is adamant that he holds no current favorites.

"With the new interest I've begun to receive, it's really opened my eyes to what else is out there," he said. "I'm definitely wide open. I'm excited to take a few trips this summer and see what each program has to offer. I have no favorite and I'll evaluate all of my options before making a decision."