Shrine Bowler Pride likes what he hears from Clemson

Shrine Bowl defesive back Troy Pride of Greer has set 4 p.m Thursday for his announcement time via Twitter. Pride has not reduced his list to two or three at this point so Clemson, USC, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Marshall, Virginia Tech, Mercer, Maryland, Appalachian State, North Carolina and N.C. State are all technically in the running. But as far as Clemson and USC go with him, it's more Clemson now than USC.

"I talked to Coach Reed (Clemson) yesterday and I also talked to Coach Scott," Pride said Tuesday night. "They were telling me that they want me, that they like what I can bring to the table. They're recruiting me as a corner and like my speed, my good length, size and instincts."

As for the Gamecocks, Pride said after meeting Will Muschamp at his school shortly after he was hired, he's heard nothing more from the Gamecocks. But he has been talking with Notre Dame, NC State, Virginia Tech and North Carolina and he may have an idea on where he wants to go.

"Somewhat, it's settling in with me," he said. "I'm looking for the total package of an overall school, and football obviously is important. It's how it fits with my family."

Pride took official visits to Notre Dame and NC State.

Pride said he'll continue to talk to coaches over the next two days.

"I know they want to give me their last recruiting pitch," Pride said.

Pride, a former Virginia Tech commitment, had 45 individual tackles and three interceptions this season. He is not a mid-year enrollee but said he won't take any more visits in January after making his commitment.