Bulls back in the mix for OL

Rising Palmetto (Fla.) offensive line prospect Kane Hannaford thought he had his college decision narrowed down to two schools coming on the heels of an official visit this weekend, but a third school has refused to give up the fight.

“We had South Florida’s coaches in our house tonight,” he said. “Coach Leavitt and coach Ryals were telling me about the opportunity I have there to make an early impact and possibly win a starting job. They convinced me that I should take my official visit this weekend and see what they have to offer. They really helped themselves tonight.

“They have some advantages. Distance isn’t a huge thing with me, but they are only about an hour away from my house. And they are moving into the Big East after next year, so that means more opportunities for big games and bowl games. I like the direction they’re headed.”

Hannaford (6-6, 335, 5.4) has already made visits to Kentucky and N.C. State. He was in Raleigh this past weekend.

Until South Florida made its push today, it looked like a battle between the Wildcats and the Wolfpack for his commitment.

“Kentucky has a real nice opportunity for me to come in and play early. That’s always a plus,” he said. “They need some offensive linemen. I liked the campus and the facilities when I was up there for my visit. I like their coaching staff and the players that I met. I really liked everything.

“N.C. State was nice, too. I like their program. They’re a little more established and not rebuilding as much as Kentucky is right now with (UK’s) coaches only having been there for one year. They’ve been pretty strong in recent years, been to a few bowl games. I like their coaching staff and the brand new facilities. They have a nice weight room and all that kind of stuff.”

Hannaford said he expects to make his decision next week after wrapping up his final visit.