DB Amari Carter praises Clemson academics as commitment looms

Defensive back Amari Carter of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., is coming closer to reaching his commitment decision.

Carter released his top eight last week: Clemson, Louisville, Miami, Notre Dame, Auburn, Michigan, LSU and Pittsburgh. He received an offer from the Tigers in March. He has not had a chance to visit campus yet but hopes to be able to soon.

"I haven't gone just yet, but hopefully they'll be one of the schools I do decide to visit," Carter said. "I have some family that lives near there, so we'll probably get together and take a trip to Clemson."

Although he hasn't been to Clemson yet, Carter said there are a lot of reasons he included the school in his top eight.

"Overall, it's a great school with great education," Carter said. "That's what I pretty much wanted. You know, schools that are up there with the football, but first up there with academics. I know South Carolina is a beautiful place, the environment and everything. Those were the things I was looking at. The ability to get in and learn the system and be able to play."

He even has a unique connection with defensive backs coach Michael Reed, who has mostly been recruiting Carter along with defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

"That position at safety, you know, they lost a lot of safeties to the NFL draft and I know Coach Reed has a lot of experience," Carter said. "He actually has coached one of my trainers, someone I work out with at NC State, so there's a connection there."

Carter estimates his decision will come anytime between September and October and said he will announce it at a gathering with his family and friends.

He will not release anymore top lists and will pick his final choice from the schools he officially visits.