Ball commits to Big East school

Hamden, Conn. defensive tackle Eric Ball has made his decision...sort of.

"Eric met with the Syracuse coaches on Wednesday and he shook their hand and said he's coming," said Vincent, the father of the 6-foot-5, 290-pound standout. "He reallyn liked his visit up there and the coaches have been great. He likes Syracuse the best right now, but he's also keeping his options open. It's not binding or anything, just a verbal commitment. He still might take some trips, but we haven't decided where yet."

Ball was scheduled to go to Iowa this weekend but cancelled that visit. Next weekend was supposed to be Boston College, but he'll be taking the SAT. Penn State is also out for Jan. 31.

"If he changes his mind, it will be either BC or maybe UConn," his father said. "He could visit either place during the week and he's waiting to hear from coaches from both schools."

Ball really wants to focus on one thing right now.

"He wants to get that score to be eligible," his father said. "That's why it's frustrating that the last score still hasn't been found so he needs to take it again on Jan. 25. That's more important right now than anything."