One suitor for Rick Sandidge likely out of the mix

North Carolina appears to have faded as South Carolina and Georgia battle to the finish for defensive lineman Rick Sandidge of Concord, N.C. That's the assessment of his coach, who watched as Gamecock and Bulldog coaches made strong pitches this week.

"I think it's Georgia and South Carolina. North Carolina is out of it, that's my gut, but crazier things have happened," said Concord coach Glenn Padgett. "I can't give you an answer right now and I don't think he can either. He's torn. They (Sandidge and his family) think both coaching staffs are great. They are trying to decide which one he's the best fit for and which one he can help be successful."

In looking at the two defensive schemes and trying to decide which is the best fit, Padgett said that's a coin-flip because of the way defenses are run today.

"They do things differently,” Padgett said. “USC is an even front, Georgia an odd front. But the defenses are so multiple. They do a little bit of everything to put them in position to win."

Sandidge has taken his official visits to Georgia and North Carolina and will visit USC this weekend. He is expected to wait until Signing Day to reveal his decision.