Awofadeju having trouble with trips

Roswell, Ga. defensive end Emmanuel Awofadeju has a hard name to pronounce and is having a hard time getting his official visits scheduled.

"I was supposed to go to Maryland this past weekend, but that got postponed," said the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder. "Basketball is messing things up quite a bit, but I'm going to make sure I see at least three teams in January. My college choice is more important than winning a couple of basketball games."

Awofadeju will visit Maryland, Stanford and Virginia for sure and would like to see Notre Dame and Tennessee if they offer him.

"Notre Dame would be right at the top of my list if they offered because of academics and football," he said. "I really like what I hear about Stanford, everyone tells me I need to go out there and see it. They finally cleared me through admissions so I'd like to see it. I know it's far away, but it's the best academic school that plays D-1 football so I want to see it."

And what about Virginia, Maryland and Tennessee.

"I have Maryland set for Jan. 3 tentatively and I think I'm going to Virginia on Jan. 17. Stanford is set for Jan. 10 and if Notre Dame or Tennessee offer I can take a trip to either on Jan. 24."

What does Awofadeju want in a school?

"I want good academics first and foremost because a degree lasts longer than football," he said. "Then I want to feel comfortable. Part of me wants to stay closer to home so my family can be around, but if Stanford is the best fit then that's where I'll go. I'm not sure about them though. They need defensive linemen but they keep telling me not to wait too long."

The talented defensive end hopes to decide in late January.