Whale Branch defensive end could have college decision by this weekend

Whale Branch defensive lineman Nyles Pinckney said Tuesday night he is close on his decision and could have it by this weekend or early next week. Once he makes the decision, he will make a silent commitment to that school. But he won't publicize the decision until 2 p.m. on Aug. 21 at his school. He still has USC, Clemson, Georgia and Georgia Tech on his list.

Pinckney remains in touch with his recruiters from all four schools and Saturday he talked with USC defensive line coach Deke Adams.

"He just talked about how much they really want me and how I'm the number one defensive tackle on their list," Pinckney said. "It just shows me that they really want me to play for them and are really trying hard to get me to come there."

Pinckney said he's been in touch with Clemson recruiters Tony Elliott and Brent Venables primarily thru Facebook and is getting a strong message from them as well.

"They're talking about Clemson being a good fit for me and how they can really help me grow," he said.

Pinckney said he won't take any more visits before his decision and will only visit the school he commits to moving forward. And he has process for how he will settle on his choice.

"The first thing my mom always tells me is to pray about it," Pinckney said. "Just talk to them and see where I come to peace with a school. It will come down to where I feel is the best fit for me. If I don't play football for the next four years, where is going to be a good school for me."

Pinckney said he plans to major in business.

This story was originally published August 12, 2015 at 10:20 AM.