Recruiting roundup: USC high on Marlon Character’s radar
Defensive back Marlon Character of Atlanta hasn’t had the chance for many campus visits this month due to 7-on-7 games and practices. He wants to visit USC as soon as he can and that will probably be after the dead period ends the second week in July. He’s in regular contact with his Gamecock recruiter Lorenzo Ward.
Character, however, did visit Auburn recently and the Tigers have moved up into a position of prominence with him as well.
“South Carolina stands out as one of my favorites, but I’ve taken one visit to Auburn and they stand out to me,” Character said. “But I wouldn’t say I like them as much as South Carolina right now, but I like both schools a whole lot.”
Virginia Tech also remains a factor and he’s in daily contact with his recruiter from there as well. He wants to get to Blacksburg but probably will wait on an official visit to do that.
USC has been the leader for Character and was on commitment watch. He might not be as close on making a commitment but the Gamecocks are the leader. “I like them a little bit more than Virginia Tech and Auburn, so right now I could say they probably are at No. 1.”
▪ Offensive lineman Will Putnam of Harrisburg, N.C., remains fixed on two schools at this point, USC and Virginia Tech. It appears no decision will come until July. Putnam attended USC’s Showcase camp earlier this month and visited Virginia Tech as well. And he will visit USC on July 13 or sometime that week one final time before making his decision. The Gamecocks were out front for Putnam after his camp visit but Virginia Tech pulled even after his visit there.
▪ Tight end Naseir Upshur of Philadelphia narrowed his list to a final eight of USC, Michigan, Alabama, Florida State, Arizona State, Temple, Southern Cal and Maryland. He visited Michigan last week.
▪ Offensive lineman Marcus Tatum of Daytona Beach, Fla., released a top eight of USC, Auburn, Arkansas, Alabama, Miami, Florida, Tennessee and N.C. State.
▪ DL Antwuan Jackson of Ellenwood, Ga., will announce a top 4 on July 4. He has USC and Clemson offers.
▪ USC basketball signee Eric Cobb of Jacksonville, Fla., received a qualifying test score last week, all but clearing the way for his freshman eligibility with the Gamecocks, his prep school coach in Baltimore said on Friday. Coach Nick Myles said all that’s left for Cobb to be able to enroll for Summer Session II July 8 is the NCAA certifying one of his classes from his Jacksonville high school. Myles does not expect that to be a problem.