D. C. ATH gaining popularity

Washington (D.C.) HD Woodson’s Donta Herrod has been a key target for recruiters across the country, and has the calls and offers to prove it. Squeaking in at No. 25 on the Rivals.com Maryland/D.C. Top 25, the 6-foot-2, 190 pounder runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds and, although he plays both strong safety and wide receiver, he is being recruited mainly as a defender.

Herrod has been extremely busy this month fielding calls from Oregon State, Virginia Tech, NC State, Virginia, Maryland, Syracuse, Georgia, and Tennessee, and said that Coach Ball from Virginia Tech, Coach Portee from NC State, and Coach Hull from Oregon State really stood out to him.

He said that right now Syracuse, Maryland, NC State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and Georgia are his leaders. What did he have to say about his top schools?

“All are similar to my defense, so I can fit in their system,” he said. “They also use a lot of d-backs. Most of them I have close relationships with the coaching staff and team.

“At Syracuse, I have friends there, and Maryland is close, so my parents can drive to see me play. I know the coaching staff and went to camp there.

“NC State is new on me, but the coach sounds good, and they have a good program. I want to take visit there.

“Tennessee has a good coaching staff, and Coach Slade talked pretty good. Georgia has a good football program. They are the school I would go to, to get away from home if I want to.

“At Virginia Tech I have several teammates already committed, and we wanted to stay together, but you never know. They have a good coaching staff, too.”

Donta has heavy interest from NC State, Syracuse (offer), Temple, Marshall, Virginia, Maryland, and Tennessee. Virginia Tech, Oregon State, and Colorado have all offered verbally.

He says his major, the help the school provides education-wise, and what the school has to offer besides football will all play roles in his decision, and he plans to make his decision by the end of November or beginning of December.

Herrod camped at Maryland and the Nike Camp at Blacksburg this summer, and plans to wait until after the season to set up his official visits.

Last season as a strong safety, Herrod recorded an amazing 150 tackles and intercepted four passes, earning him all-DC honors. He has already tallied 16 tackles and one interception through two games this year.