Durden has in-state aspirations
MIAMI -- Defensive tackle Cory Durden respects the scholarship offers he holds. He appreciates the efforts of both Oregon State and Utah. He'll look into both schools and all that cliché stuff. Visits of any kind are a long shot, though.
And as for an eventual commitment to either the Beavers or the Utes, Durden dismisses that as impossible. The Newberry (Fla.) High School star has a plan that definitely doesn't include moving to a different time zone.
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"I ain't leaving Florida," Durden said. "Nope. I'm either going to Florida State or Florida. I'm not leaving here."
Problem is, Durden doesn't hold an offer from any in-state program as things stand now. The way he discusses that situation exudes confidence, though. Durden thinks it's just a matter of time. He's so certain, in fact, that he's not going to bother visiting out-of-state campuses.
"I talk to Coach Jimbo [Fisher] a lot," Durden said. "I went to Florida State's junior day as a sophomore. I went on a few unofficials there last summers. Coach [Jim] McElwain from Florida came to see me at school a month ago."
Durden guesses that Florida State may be closer to making an offer than Florida, but says he'll welcome either or both at any time. Still, it seems the Seminoles may have the edge should both schools offer.
"With Florida State, I like the facilities," Durden said. "My whole family went there, so it's already like home. My uncle [John Parks] was a cornerback there. A lot of the coaches are talking to me."
As for the allure of his home state, Durden says that's simple. It's nothing sensationalized or shocking. It is, however, seemingly very strong.
"My family all lives in Florida and I love the weather," he said. "There's no reason for me to leave."