The UConn Huskies have been hosting a slew of visitors over the past few weeks in the class of 2018 and underclassmen as well. Storrs Central was able to catch up with Larry Ross, an offensive lineman from the Peddie School in New Jersey who visited UConn in February.

“[D-line Coach Dennis Dottin-Carter] messaged me to call him and he basically told me he likes my film and he likes my size,” Ross told Rivals. “He told me the coaches are interested in me and he wanted me to try to come visit UConn.

“Luckily we were free… the visit was great!”

Ross had a lot of reasons to pursue the opportunity with the Huskies.

“When I think UConn, I think of an elite college in this country that knows how to win and create great student-athletes throughout all sports. I also know that UConn is in a very competitive division and there's good football played.”

UConn’s level of interest played a role as well.

“When Coach Carter called me, he did show a lot of interest in me so I felt it was necessary to check out the college as soon as possible and get a feel for the program and the school in general,” he said.

He had a few key items he was keeping in mind as he made the visit.

“I was definitely interested in what the school has to offer me academically,” Ross said. “That was the first priority for me, and of course I was going to look out for the resources I would have as a football player at UConn to stay healthy and be the best player I can possibly be…

“I believe after today, they definitely showed me that.”

Like most high school prospects who visit UConn, the quality of the Huskies’ facilities made an impression.

“The coolest thing was going through the football complex and how everything is under one roof,” he said. “In the complex you can practice on the indoor turf, you can lift, they have their own dining hall, they have a huge study room for the players when they need to do homework, and even if you have down time, there's a hangout area for the players so I thought that was pretty awesome.”

Coach Chris DeBerry took Ross on a tour of campus, where the myriad dining options struck his fancy.

“I liked the campus a lot,” he said. “It was huge, which can be a plus. I liked how there is a dining hall wherever you are on campus (I like to eat) and Coach DeBerry was taking to us about the Next-Gen buildings…UConn is definitely upgrading which is really cool.”

Ross visited with about four other players at the time and had a chance to meet with other members of the coaching staff as well, including offensive line coach J.B. Grimes.

“I think Coach Grimes is great man,” he said. “The thing that stood out to me when we were talking was how he told me that he believes every player should be coached differently and I believe that is true… by the end of that conversation we had, I had a good feeling about Coach Grimes.”

Currently a junior at Peddie, Ross has an offer from Buffalo and interest from UConn, BC, Duke, Michigan State, Purdue, Rutgers, Temple, and Army. Standing 6-foot-6 with impressive athleticism for his size, he is an intriguing prospect.

“I played basketball for most of my life so that helped my footwork tremendously,” he said. “Also I am fast for a 300-pound lineman and it benefits me… whether it's a pull play or getting to those backers…Lastly, I play tough and physical every play. I try to intimidate every man going up against me.”