A New Leader for Eckerson?
By: Chris Horne | January 16, 2006
This past weekend, 6-6, 270-pound Lumberton (N.C.) star offensive line prospect Hutch Eckerson made the first of his final two official visits. It was to South Carolina, which was hosting a major football recruiting weekend. Did the experience move the Gamecocks to the top of his list?
"I had an awesome time," Eckerson said. "I loved South Carolina. The opportunity there is phenomenal and it's something nobody else can offer. I got along great with [QB] Chris Smelley and [OL] Kevin Young. Those are guys who have committed there. It was a great visit and South Carolina is definitely up there on my list."
Eckerson discussed the opportunity he would have at South Carolina.
"It would be an opportunity to be a part of something that has never been done at South Carolina," Eckerson said. "I could go there and our class could go down in history and take South Carolina to another level."
Does South Carolina lead right now?
"I'd say South Carolina and Virginia Tech are my top two choices," Eckerson said. "They are the top schools I'm focusing in on. Right now, I'd say South Carolina is number one. They were just real with me. And the fans are great there. The fan base there is second-to-none."
Eckerson will make an official visit to Virginia Tech this weekend.
"I am going to go to Virginia Tech," Eckerson said. "I think the South Carolina coaches wanted me to commit this weekend, but I said from the start that I would take my visits. After this weekend, I'll talk with my family. I'll let the [college] coaches know where I'm going, but I won't release the decision publicly until signing day."
N.C. State has not been "officially" eliminated, but the Pack is definitely on the outside looking in.
"I kind of want to get away from my comfort zone," Eckerson said of his college choice.
In terms of in-home visits, Frank Beamer is scheduled to come this week (Wednesday or Thursday, according to Hutch). Steve Spurrier is scheduled to come next week.
TSL's take…
Eckerson is definitely leaning towards the out-of-state schools, so it would be a surprise if he chose NCSU in the end. South Carolina is very strong in his mind right now, so Virginia Tech will have to really impress him this weekend. The Hokies will have their chance, though.