Monday, Oct. 12, 2009

Recruiting spotlight: C.J. Wilson

SCHOOL: Richland Northeast

POSITION: Offensive line

HEIGHT:/WEIGHT: 6-4/270

RIVALS.COM RATING: Not rated

OFFERS: East Carolina, Tennessee State, North Carolina Central, North Carolina A&T and S.C. State

STATUS: Uncommitted

KEEP THIS IN MIND: C.J.'s first name is Cephas. He and RNE senior quarterback Kersean Wilson, who also is being recruited to play college football, are cousins.

What are you looking for in a college?

"I'm looking for a school with a great academic tradition and a high graduation rate for athletes. A school that has my major because I'd like to major in sports management. That's the main goal before the football. The first objective is (the) academic part."

Are you set on playing at a Division I (FBS) school, like East Carolina, or would you be OK with a smaller school?

"I'm not going to say that it doesn't matter. But if I can go somewhere and play and go to school and get a free education, that's good. I'd like to go to a big program, but if the ball doesn't roll that way to me, it wouldn't be a big disappointment to me."

What feedback did you get from coaches (at camps last summer)?

"They liked my athleticism and footwork. But mostly the strength part. That's the part that I can improve a whole lot. They said to not worry about recruiting. Play hard and keep my grades up."

A string of RNE players have gone on to Division I colleges over the past few years. Do they offer much advice?

"They just told me to be patient, to get a good rapport with the coaches and build a relationship with them so you know you are going to a place where you know them. Go to a place that's a good fit for you. There might be a school that you want to go to, but it may not be a good fit."

- Steve Wiseman

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