ECU, Wake battle for Duncan
East Carolina was the leader before three-star running back Jela Duncan of Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek visited Wake Forest this weekend and that hasn't changed now that his trip is complete.
However, the Demon Deacons have given him something to think about.
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"They have [closed the gap]," Duncan told Rivals.com on Sunday night. "I had never been to Wake before. It really opened up my eyes. It's a small campus, and it's real close knit. That's what I'm looking for."
According to Duncan, he will announce his decision Wednesday (the time has not yet been determined). His plan is to let the winning coaching staff know his pick Monday night.
Besides East Carolina and Wake Forest, Duke and Purdue also are being considered.
The visit to Wake Forest "went real well," Duncan said. "We had a tour of the campus, we got to meet some of the coaches and the players. I had a good time with the players. There was a real good vibe with them."
Duncan likes the situation at Wake.
"They are in desperate need at running back," he said. "They talked about competing for a spot and playing early. They're not looking to redshirt."
Meeting with head coach Jim Grobe was among the trip highlights.
"We talked at dinner [Saturday] and today before I left," Duncan said. "We talked about a whole bunch of things. About me committing there, and just life in general. And, of course, a whole bunch of football. They want to get back and win the ACC championship, and win the Orange Bowl."
Overall, Duncan gave the visit a "9.5."
Why, then, is East Carolina still the team to beat? Duncan explained.
"Because when I went up there, they showed me a lot of love," Duncan said. "There's just a feeling of being at home I felt when I got there."
Keith Niebuhr can be reached at Keithrivals@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @KeithRIVALS.