Combo of academics, athletics at Duke intrigue 3-star RB Mataeo Durant

The Latest: Three-star South Carolina running back Mataeo Durant has netted a number of offers over the past few months and while he continues to explore his options, he admitted that Duke is one of the programs standing out in his recruitment. The Blue Devils have made Durant a priority at the running back position and that early work is starting to pay off. Rivals.com caught up with Durant at the recent Charlotte stop of the Rivals 3-Stripe Camp Series to talk recruiting.

In His Words: "I’m just trying to look through everybody and see the best fit for me. The last place I visited was Duke University. They are telling me about the school overall and how they are coming up in athletics. My parents and I are big on education and what I can do after football instead of just focusing on football. For educational purposes and football it’s the best of both worlds. You’re playing big-time football in the ACC and getting the top education in the country."

On his fit in Duke's offense: "I would just be a dynamic threat and they would get me the ball anyway possible. Coach Boyette is my recruiter and I think we have a good connection. He's pretty cool."

On Upcoming visits/commitment timeline: "I should be going back to Wake Forest to visit and possibly Virginia Tech again. I'm going to take a few visits and hopefully make a commitment before the start of my senior season."

Rivals Reaction: Durant said the key for him and his family is education as well as quality football, making schools like Duke, Wake Forest and Virginia Tech all serious options. He's likely to continue to take it slow, but it's worth noting which schools his visits this summer leading up to his August decision.