3-star Belton ready for East Carolina visit

After an MVP performance in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, three-star Blythewood (S.C.) Hassan Belton is holding out hope than an FBS school has a spot for him in their 2015 class.

"After the dead period ends I'm going to try to take an official to East Carolina," Belton said. "I'm have a lot of FCS options, too, so I'm just waiting and seeing what happens."

The Pirates coaches came by campus earlier this month and Belton said they are offering an interesting option.

"They came to my school last week and I talked to Coach Kirkpatrick. Right now their biggest concern is my height as a linebacker," said the 5-foot-11, 215-pound Belton. "They think I might fit better at defensive back as a safety or a hybrid-type guy. They might want me to grayshirt. They are still recruiting me hard and they want me to take an official so I want to give them a look."

Belton said he's still strongly considering the Pirates and will have to weigh the chance to grayshirt against the possibility of playing early at an FCS program.

"That will be my biggest offer and best opportunity to play for a big-time program," Belton said of the Pirates. "I have a few FBS offers but most are FCS and they seem the most serious about giving me a chance. It's something that I have to consider. One of my friends grayshirted and Clemson last year and he said it was tough but it made him love the game more and he thinks it's going to pay off."

If all goes according to plan, Belton will visit Greenville on Jan. 23 before announcing his decision on National Signing Day.

Belton recorded 14 tackles, including two for loss, in the Shrine Bowl game earlier this month.