Billings talks visits, top programs, and the future

Before the season began Waco, Texas defensive tackle Andrew Billings let it be known that he would like to make a preseason decision.

He had has choices narrowed to Baylor, Texas, SMU, TCU, and Mississippi State, and he had a plan, but Billings also wanted to make a very educated, well thought out decision and he was not going to make a hurried choice.

After taking unofficial visits to Baylor and Texas in back-to-back weeks, it appeared a decision might be looming. There was talk he would decide, but he decided he needed to take a look at TCU. So Billings took an unofficial visit to TCU as the Horned Frogs hosted the Virginia Cavaliers.

"The TCU game was great. It was a good game," Billings said. "It was a morning game, so it was pretty hot. The fans showed up, and the atmosphere was pretty good. I talked to the coaches and had some great conversations. It was a good visit."

One thing about the visit stood out in his mind.

The fans, they came out there," Billings said. "It was an early game and it was very hot and they were there to support the team."

Right now, Billings does not know when he plans to make a decision. He would like to make one before the end of the season, but he is not ready to put a definite timetable on it.

While he may not know when he plans to decide he does know a few things.

"Right now it's Texas, TCU, and Baylor," Billings said. "I really decided I wanted to stay in-state and the coaches I feel comfortable with and the team and the school had what I was looking for."

He has seen what each have to offer on everything from academics and housing to game day atmosphere and depth charts. He has also been in touch with coaches from all three schools and is keeping them updated on the recruiting process.

He also knows he is not ready to name a leader. There has been a lot of talk and speculation about one or two teams standing out, but Billings says that is not the case.

"I don't have an order," Billings said.

The standout defensive tackle did not count out future visits but he currently does not have any on his schedule. He did have one game he was hoping to attend, but a schedule conflict will keep him from making the trip.

"I wanted to go to the Texas/West Virginia game but we have practice on Saturday," Billings said.

He also mentioned possibly attending night games in the future for each school, but has not scheduled anything nor does he have any games in mind at this point.

For now, he is trying to focus on the Waco Lions, and his current football season. The Lions are 2-2 on the season, and Billings feels good about the direction things are headed.

"We lost the first district game in overtime, but we did pretty well. I think if we fix the little things this will be a good season for us," Billings said. "This season I feel like I'm doing pretty well. I'm making better plays than I did last year - more sacks, more tackles, more tipped balls, more pancakes. I feel better about it this year."