Cards, Gophers still on top

Three-star defensive end Rodney Gnat out of Jacksonville (Fla.) Wolfson has had Louisville and Minnesota leading for his services for a little while. This past weekend the 6-foot-4, 224-pounder took his third official visit to Purdue. What did Gnat think of the Boilermakers?

"I liked it, but I couldn't really get a feel for campus life because everyone was taking finals," he said. "I got there on Friday and hung out with my host Alphonso Royal. He was cool and I liked hanging out with him and he basically told me how things go there. I even went out and played in the snow and went sledding with him which was a lot of fun.

"On Saturday I got to spend a lot of time with all the coaches. I even talked with head coach Tiller. I learned a lot from him and really enjoyed talking to him about playing for Purdue, going to school there and the possibility of playing early. He also told me that a lot of defensive ends come out of Purdue and make it in the NFL."

Despite enjoying his trip, Gnat just didn't feel quite right.

"I just didn't feel comfortable there and so I'd rate my visit a seven," he said. "I can't really explain it, but I just think it's really not the place for me. I haven't completely pulled them from my list, but I'd say Purdue is on the outside looking in.

"I still favor Louisville and Minnesota the most. I'm very comfortable with both of those schools and the academics there are good."

Two other schools the No. 31 weakside defensive end is considering for officials still are Southern Miss and South Florida.

"I'm not sure if and when I'll take those as it's up in the are," he said. "I like both of them because they are great institutions and great places to play football."

Gnat appears to be pretty close to a decision as he confirmed he'd like to do it before Christmas.

Although none of the in-home visits stood out according to Gnat, he did receive trips from Minnesota, Purdue and Louisville.