Dynamic Athlete Bo Melton Planning Big Ten Visits, Has Pac-12 'Dream School'

New Jersey continues to emerge as a key battleground state in Big Ten Conference territory, and the recruitment of scintillating Garden State standout Bo Melton exemplifies this trend.

The Cedar Creek High School junior is juggling multiple Big Ten scholarship offers and spent Thursday at in-state Rutgers. Melton expects campus visits to become a recurring theme in the months to come, with Michigan and Ohio State next on the itinerary.

"You've always got to stay on one level with your recruitment," he told Bleacher Report. "A lot of teams have offered, a lot of Big Ten schools. You have to level them out by taking visits and seeing which one fits for you. That's what I'm doing. I need to see what the environment is like and what the plan is for me and my family."

Melton, a versatile offensive threat at running back and receiver, confirmed he will visit the Wolverines and Buckeyes this spring. A realistic timeline places both trips in April, though dates are yet to be determined.

There's a common thread in his interest for a trio of Big Ten teams.

"When you talk about coaches who are down for their players, you talk about Coach Jim Harbaugh. You talk about Coach Chris Ash. You talk about Coach Urban Meyer. All of them are down for the players," he said.

The 6'0", 180-pound playmaker, rated No. 6 overall in 247Sports' 2017 New Jersey composite rankings, enjoyed a firsthand look at his home state's lone FBS program Thursday. Melton journeyed to Rutgers, where his father, Gary Melton, played running back and wide receiver from 1987-91.

"The vibes are amazing," he said. "Rutgers has really shown, not just to me but to New Jersey athletes, how we can make a big impact. I love how Coach Ash and the staff showed me how I can make an impact."

This selling point is imperative for the Scarlet Knights after multiple recruiting cycles that failed to produce abundant elite in-state talent. Among players considered top 10 overall prospects in composite New Jersey rankings, none have signed with Rutgers out of high school since 2013 (defensive back Nadir Barnwell).

Melton, who received an offer from the previous coaching regime, believes the new staff has quickly made a positive impact on players. He attended a team workout Thursday morning and stayed on campus throughout the day to learn more about the daily routine of a Scarlet Knights student-athlete.

"Coach [Kenny] Parker is in the weight room yelling and screaming at the boys, getting them all hyped. It's very competitive now at Rutgers, and that's something to enjoy because I love competing," Melton said.

Michigan played a major role in the Scarlet Knights' recruiting struggles last cycle, landing six players from the Garden State. The group of signees included No. 1 overall recruit Rashan Gary and 4-star athlete Ahmir Mitchell, who helped Melton lead Cedar Creek to the school's first state sectional title last season.

"I hear a lot from Ahmir. He tells me all about Michigan and how they've got him set up there," Melton said. "He tells me Michigan is like no other place. The environment is great between him, the other players and Coach Harbaugh."

Defensive assistant Chris Partridge is again spearheading the Wolverines' recruiting efforts in New Jersey. The former head coach at Paramus Catholic High School—home of Rashan Gary—serves as Melton's primary recruiter on behalf of Michigan.

Expect Ohio State to increase its recruiting presence in New Jersey with the hiring of new defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, who led Rutgers to five bowl wins during his final six seasons in Piscataway. Buckeyes offensive coordinator Ed Warinner has carried responsibilities for targeting Melton.

"I'm hearing a lot from Coach Warinner," Melton said. "He's been on me since he came to [Cedar Creek], sending me letters and calling on the phone. Ohio State is a big place to be and they just won a national title, so it's very good hearing from them."

While the Buckeyes, Wolverines and Scarlet Knights will each spend quality time with him this spring, Penn State will probably wait until summer. Melton expressed intentions to visit Happy Valley before next season.

"I need to get up to campus and see what Penn State is about and get to know everybody on that coaching staff," he said.

Nittany Lions linebacker Brandon Bell is his cousin, which should contribute to Melton's rapport with the program.

Penn State views him as a wide receiver, and the same can be said about Michigan's outlook. Ohio State envisions Melton in an H-back role, while Rutgers has left the door open for opportunities on both sides of the ball.

You'll be hard-pressed to reach a consensus among collegiate coaching staffs when it comes to his positional projection. That's fine by Melton, who would prefer to contribute in multiple facets during the next phase of his career.

"I like to be the most electric and explosive athlete on the field," he said. "I don't want to be just a running back, or someone who is set in the same spot on every play. I want to be the player who is all over the field, can hunt people down, make tackles and have a chance to get into the end zone every time I touch the ball. I need to be all over the field to help my team win."

Melton may ultimately earn reps at receiver, running back, cornerback or all three in college. He scored 24 touchdowns in 2015, according to Phil Anastasia of the Philadelphia Inquirer, including 11 as a rusher and 11 as a receiver.

"Bo really came into his own," Cedar Creek head coach Tim Watson said. "We saw glimpses of his potential [as a sophomore], but he wasn't quite ready. With Ahmir receiving so much attention he was primed to blow up, and he did. Such a dynamic and explosive athlete."

Watson also applauded Melton's ability to lead his peers.

"He's our 'juice' guy. The kid always brings the energy and just loves to have fun with his teammates," he said. "Whether dancing around at practice or starting team chants and songs when we're losing games at halftime...he was always the dude to get the guys going. And it all just comes very natural for him."

Melton mentioned Maryland as another Big Ten school he'd eventually like to visit. Boston College and UCF could also enter the equation for upcoming travel plans.

He's willing to look anywhere in the country for an ideal opportunity.

"I'd love for Oregon to offer. That's my dream school," Melton said.

Before he heads to college, the two-way star has big ambitions for his senior season. Melton understands opponents focus squarely on him with Mitchell now at Michigan, and it's a challenge he embraces.

"I love that I have a bull's-eye on my back because that means people are coming after you. That just makes me want to work harder because I love the competition."

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.