On Wednesday, February 8th, VanDelaySports.com talked to Kent State recruit Anthony Mirando, the Golden Flashes’ lone Linebacker recruit in 2006. Miarando is 6'2", 232 pounds and played at Jefferson High School in Ashtabula County, Ohio.

Mirando on why he chose Kent State - The new coaching staff is bringing in "big-time players" and has a strong desire to "go great places" and win MAC Championships. Anthony said that having teams like Virginia Tech and Ohio State on Kent's schedule in the upcoming years is a great opportunity for the program and is really exciting. He also mentioned that staying close to home is a nice plus because at Kent his family can go see him play.

Mirando on why he chose Kent over offers from Colorado State and Air Force - "It was getting down to the end and I really wanted to make a decision," said Mirando. Waiting to hear back from schools as the February 1st deadline neared became difficult. Anthony said that Head Coach Doug Martin offered him a scholarship during his visit to Kent's campus on Saturday, January 21st in the afternoon. "After dinner I committed to (Martin). He was definitely happy; he didn't expect me to commit so soon," Mirando said in a OhioVarsity.com interview.

Mirando on other Division I-A scholarship offers - Before the visit on the weekend of January 21-22 Mirando had received offers from Colorado State and Air Force (Mountain West Conference).

After visiting Kent and committing Mirando said he received scholarship offers from Central Michigan and Cincinnati (Big East).

Mirando on other interested MAC schools - Several MAC schools were interested in Mirando besides Kent and CMU. Mirando talked to Akron, Bowling Green, Ohio and Miami throughout the process and was told that he would be a preferred walk-on if he decided to attend Bowling Green.

Mirando on what he will miss the most about high school - "Being on top," said Mirando. "Starting all over again as a freshman will be a major adjustment." When asked if playing at a small school like Jefferson makes it more difficult to get a Division I-A scholarship Mirando replied "Definitely. No doubt."

On the level of competition in high school at Jefferson vs. college at Kent - "I have been training at Speed Strength in Euclid (Ohio)," said Mirando. Anthony mentioned that he trains with recruits that are to attend Purdue, Wisconsin and other BCS schools and that he stacks up well in comparison. "I should also get a good feel for this level of competition in the North-South game this summer," said Mirando.

Ohio's 61st annual North-South Classic will be held at Columbus Crew Stadium on June 17th, 2006.

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