Pennsylvania has a knack for putting out hard-nosed linebackers, and junior North Penn product Ralph Reeves fits the profile in the Class of 2012. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound prospect from the southeast part of the state said that he was born to play the position.

"I come downhill really well. My instincts are really good," he said. "I've always been a linebacker my whole life. It just makes sense. I flip my hips well, I can run and play coverage. I don't really compare myself to anyone yet."

His play as a sophomore has drawn notice from all over the country.

"I've gotten letter from people - Notre Dame has sent me stuff, UCLA, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, Boston College, Clemson, Florida State - I've been getting a lot of letters. I only went out to Penn State and Pitt this year," he said. "I've had coaches come into the school a couple of times. West Virginia' s coach came in a couple of times, Penn State, Rutgers, Florida State. There's no offers yet, but pretty good. I've been contact Pitt, so maybe them."

Reeves did camps at both Penn State and Pittsburgh this summer and came away impressed with both.

"I've always been a Penn State fan, so I knew I was going to like that," he said. "I've always liked Penn State. I've been sending them my film since my freshman and sophomore years. They said they were going to go to a couple of games and check in. I'll mostly likely go up there for a game, we haven't arranged anything yet, but some time soon."

As a lifelong fan of the Nittany Lions, he was unsure of what to expect from Pennsylvania's other BCS program, but he was pleasantly surprised with what the Panthers had to offer.

"I liked Pitt a lot. Their facilities are awesome and beautiful, their weight room is awesome," he said. "Everything at Pitt was very nice - the campus and the city and once again, the facilities."

Right now, Reeves' childhood favorite is at the top of his list.

"I'd like to go to Penn State, but I don't know if that would happen," he said. "I just don't know yet."