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Cleveland closing in on a decision

Offers are continuing to come in for Powder Springs (Ga.) Hillgrove cornerback Tolando Cleveland. The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder is up to double digit offers including landing an SEC scholarship last Friday.
"I've got offers from East Carolina, Navy, Air Force, Ball State, Elon, Furman, Georgia State, Mississippi State, Rice, Wofford and Utah State," he said. "I got Mississippi State on Friday. The rest I got during spring time."
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Cleveland was surprised by the offer from the Bulldogs.
"I think it's just a great school," he said. "Mississippi State offers a lot and they are a great football team and are in the SEC. They have a great campus and good coaches. It's a beautiful campus and it just has a lot to offer."
Cleveland noted that Mississippi State is one of two teams high on his list at this time.
"Of course Mississippi State is up there, but my next contender would be East Carolina," he said. "You know, they are a pretty good football town and have a lot of supporters. They have a great medical program and that has really attracted me there."
In addition to the schools who have already offered, the Peach State prospect is hearing from Georgia Tech, Wake Forest and Vanderbilt.
"Those are the schools I'm getting the most mail from that haven't offered," he said. "Most want me to come to camps and showcase my skills. I'm not too sure if I'm going to any other camps. It's a possibility that I might continue my camp campaign."
Cleveland notes he may not be far from a choice though.
"I really kind of am close," he said. "I want to be able to focus on my senior year. I could possibly make a decision in mid-July, or even sometime before then maybe."
The corner is looking for a few things as he evaluates his options.
"I want great academics first off," he said. "I'm kind of looking not just for next year, but four plus years. I'm looking for whoever can help me go to the next level for the NFL or pursue my career, possibly in biology. Location is a really important thing for me, that's why Mississippi State is a really attractive school cause they are close and I have a lot of family close to that area."
Cleveland, who posted honorable mention all-county honors last season, broke down his game.
"I think the thing about me is that in high school I play safety, but my versatility is good," he said. "I can play cornerback or safety. I think that's attractive. I also have a pretty good frame to add weight and build size."
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