Atkinson sets two official visits

George Atkinson III has set his official visits to Oregon and Notre Dame and said the Fighting Irish have stepped things up in recent weeks. He'll be in South Bend when Michigan visits on the weekend of Sept. 11.

It's a trip Atkinson is definitely looking forward to.

"Notre Dame is doing a lot," Atkinson said. "They've been really contacting my coaches and my coach told me they want me over there so I'm looking forward to seeing them and everything.

"I'm really excited. There's a whole bunch of tradition and my dad really likes the coaching staff and the offense so it will be good to see that in person. I'll get a better feel for the whole environment."

Atkinson, a four-star athlete from Livermore (Calif.) Granada who was one of the top players at the Pete Carroll Win Forever Festival this summer, plans to visit Notre Dame with his brother Josh, a three-star cornerback, during their bye week so they can spend more time around the campus. Notre Dame has offered both brothers.

Oregon continues to be one of the favorites for the Atkinson Bros. and they plan to officially visit when the Ducks host Portland State on Sept 18.

Josh Atkinson has stated publicly that Oregon is his top school. The brothers have claimed they'll go through the recruiting process separately and make the best decision for their specific situation. Going to school together has never been ruled out though.

"I just enjoyed (Oregon) the first time and I want to get a feel for the campus and everything during school," Atkinson said. "I'm really looking forward to that trip back there."

No other official visits have been scheduled but Atkinson, rated as the No. 15 athlete, No. 102 nationally and No. 11 in the California state rankings by Rivals.com, said he's strongly considering trips to Alabama and Miami as well.

Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Illinois, Nebraska,USC, UCLA and a host of others top programs have also offered Atkinson, a 6-foot-2, 194-pound recruit.

His brother Josh, ranked No. 43 at cornerback and No. 66 in the California state rankings, has offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, San Jose State, Syracuse, Utah, Washington and Washington State..

"I should get (all the official visits) out of the way so I know where I'm going as soon as possible," Atkinson said. "I'm hoping to get that done before the season."