Four-star offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn has a lot to think about in his recruitment. South Carolina, N.C. State, and Duke are his top three and pivotal visits are on the horizon for the Charlotte (N.C.) Harding University standout.

IN HIS OWN WORDS…

"With South Carolina, talking to the new offensive line coach has been great," Gwyn said. "The old offensive line coach didn't offer me. Picking the brains of the offensive linemen that are there now, they have been saying that their game has changed completely since he got there and he has helped them a lot with their technique.

"N.C. State was my first offer," he said. "They think I can play right away. A lot of the offensive linemen I met in my class told me they are redshirting but with me the coaches haven't said they are going to redshirt me. If I can play, I'll have to earn it and play right away. They were (my teammate and current N.C. State commit) Malik's first offer too. Nobody believed in him and he brought his grades up. N.C. State offered him before all that. I have a better relationship with N.C. State staff compared to the other schools. I have a better connection with them.

"At Duke I like the whole coaching staff," said Gwyn. "Everybody is cool and it's a family atmosphere. With the education part of things, the Duke name carries a lot of weight. My parents are all for Duke.

"N.C. State and South Carolina invited me to the game here in Charlotte next Saturday," he said. "I'm going to go to that game. I think it will have a big impact on my recruitment. I'm just going to look at how the offensive lines play. I have to make it to a Duke game but I'm not sure which one.

"I'm not sure when I want to decide," Gwyn said. "The reason I haven't decided yet is because I'm unsure. Now the season is here so I'm trying to focus on that. I didn't want to rush to make a decision because the season was coming."

RIVALS' REACTION

Gwyn was always going to pick a school near home. The draw of close friends and strong relationships at N.C. State could be very hard for Duke or South Carolina to overcome. The matchup with the Gamecocks and Wolfpack in Charlotte next weekend will be very big for Gwyn. A N.C. State win could end up sealing the deal for the Wolfpack but a South Carolina win could swing momentum towards the Gamecocks. Duke is the wildcard but official visits will determine how big of a factor they will be down the stretch.