USC in the running for one NC lineman, moving on from another

Offensive lineman Pete Leota of Asheville, N.C. has narrowed his decision to the University of South Carolina and Virginia Tech eliminating North Carolina from the equation. His plan now is to visit Virginia Tech for the Ohio State game and USC for the Kentucky game.

Soon after that trip to Columbia he plans to make his decision. At this point, USC remains the leader as has been the case since he attended the Showcase Camp in July.

"I''m still high on South Carolina," said Leota who was named the lineman of the week for his team after a season opening victory last week. He said the USC visit will be unofficial but he might make the Virginia Tech visit an official one.

Leoa said he's in touch with USC offensive line coach Shawn Elliott regularly on Twitter and he's also been talking with recruiter Deke Adams.

'I'm looking for the coaches that will get me to the NFL," Leota said. "I'm looking for a family environment. I'm looking for a school with a great environment."

Other Notes

The Gamecocks appear to be moving on from offensivelineman Landon Dickerson of Hickory, N.C. He had USC on his short list but said it's been three weeks since he was last contacted by offensive line coach Shawn Elliott.

Dickerson has official visits set with Michigan for September 12th and for Auburn November 28th. He said he's also considering Virginia Tech, Tennessee and Florida State. He said those five schools could "possibly" be his final five but he said he might take some official visits to some other schools he hasn't seen yet. He does not have a favorite.

This story was originally published August 25, 2015 at 10:17 AM with the headline "USC in the running for one NC lineman, moving on from another."