Big Byrd ready to visit Georgia

North Augusta, S.C. athlete C.J. Byrd received his 17th scholarship offer in the mail this week. The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder is one of the most heavily recruited players in the country and is ready for another unofficial trip this weekend.

"I got an offer from Georgia Tech," said Byrd. "That makes 17 I think. They're a great program and I'm excited about the offer. They're close to home and they said I could choose where I play, offense or defense."

Byrd, who also has offers from North Carolina, Tennessee, LSU, Florida, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Virginia, Clemson, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Illinois, Oklahoma, Penn State, Maryland, South Carolina and Auburn, has taken unofficial visits to Tennessee, Clemson, Auburn and South Carolina over the last month. He heads to Georgia this weekend and could head down to Florida as well.

"I went to camp last year at Georgia and really had a good time," Byrd said. "Everyone says Georgia football is at its best since the days of Herschel Walker, and I think one poll even has Georgia as pre-season No. 1 for next year.

"I'm really excited about going over there and meeting the players and coaches. My parents are very high on Mark Richt because they heard he is very spiritual and involved with his church. And he has programs set up to mentor players for life after football. I think that's great because you can't play the game forever."