Saturday, January 12, 2013
ESPN 150 WR North making surprise visit
By Kipp Adams
With the loss of ESPN 150 wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (Fort Valley, Ga./Peach County) and ESPN 300 wide receiver Ryan Jenkins (Marietta, Ga./Lassiter), Clemson was hoping to make a big push for another ESPN 150 wideout this weekend on an official visit.
But unfortunately for the Tigers, Marquez North (Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek) is traveling to check out another school.
According to Ramondo North, Marquez’s father, the family is instead driving to Tennessee on Saturday for an unofficial visit, followed by an official to North Carolina on Jan. 18 and a possible official to Oregon on Jan. 25. While Clemson could still get the talented receiver on campus before he makes his decision, Ramondo North said Clemson certainly has some ground to make up.
Marquez North canceled a scheduled visit to Clemson.
“North Carolina is in the driver’s seat, but Tennessee lost two receivers to the NFL draft so he could get some playing time,” North said. “Plus he would be playing against the best in the SEC as a freshman.”
As the family traveled to Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, North’s father detailed why the Volunteers are getting a chance to overtake the Tar Heels at the top.
“When he went to the game last fall it was electric and I loved that, but it was the law program at Tennessee opened his eyes big time,” North said. “He wants to be a lawyer, so seeing the dean and everything was important for him. Now we want to meet the new coaches and see if he can trust them. Lots of coaches tell him a lot of stuff, so we want to see if it all matches up.”
North Carolina is the front-runner for the No. 133 prospect in the country, and for multiple reasons.
“I do not want to speak for Marquez, but really UNC is in the driver’s seat because it's in-state, he knows he would be set for life with a degree from there, and he knows his grandparents and family can come see him play,” North said. “He has a great relationship with the coaches and everything that could be positive for UNC, they have.”
Marquez North has remained uncommitted throughout the recruiting cycle, and his father said his patience is justified.
“His decision is going to affect the rest of his life, so he wants to take the time to make sure it’s the right choice,” Ramondo North said.
