OL target Pete Leota preps for another look at Gamecocks

South Carolina’s upcoming social event for invited prospects is being billed as a pool bash in conjunction with the opening of the new dorm/apartments where many of the Gamecocks’ football players will live.

Perhaps the star of the gathering, if asked to perform a belly flop, will be 307-pound offensive tackle Pete Leota of Asheville, N.C. On Sunday night he confirmed his plans to attend the July 24 gathering.

Leota is down to USC, North Carolina and Virginia Tech. He recently visited Chapel Hill and that put the Tar Heels in the lead at this point.

“I think so, maybe,” Leota said. “I don’t really know right now. I’m just trying to name some top threes and top fives for a leader.”

Leota said he’s in touch with USC offensive line coach Shawn Elliott and recruiter Deke Adams practically every day, and they are doing their best to keep the Gamecocks in the hunt.

“After that story came out where I put North Carolina in front, Coach Elliott and Deke Adams immediately had me call them about my choice to put them in front as my leader,” Leota said. “They’re trying to turn things around and put them in front.”

Leota said he wants to take advantage of the upcoming visit to Columbia to meet some of the people who could be his future teammates and see more of the university.

“I do want to meet some of the other recruits, maybe some committed ones, and get their insight on what made them commit to South Carolina,” he said. “And I just want to see the dorms because if I do go there that’s where I’m going to be living for the next four years.”

Leota also plans to visit Virginia Tech this summer. He said he has no idea when he wants to make his decision.