Fernandez still committed, but taking visits

Three-star linebacker Jerod Fernandez out of Lake Mary, Fla. was surprised by the news of Tom O'Brien's release from NC State. The Wolfpack commitment maintains he's committed, but is taking other visits coming up.

"Right now, I'm still committed," he said. "I committed to the school, not because of Coach O'Brien.

"I like the environment it's in at NC State and the facilities. It's a great school to go to. I like Coach Reed a lot. It matters more that the assistants are still there. One of the big reasons I committed to the school was the fact I can come in and have a chance to play early. I'm still there until something else happens, we'll see what happens."

Fernandez plans to visit a pair of other offers soon.

"I've been in contact with Pittsburgh and Rutgers and I would consider them," he said. "I have an official to Rutgers on January 19th and I'll find out about an official to Pittsburgh tomorrow or Tuesday.

"I'm looking at those two because I've got offers from both schools. For Rutgers, I have a teammate up there from my school and it would be cool to spend four more years. I also have family up there in Rutgers.

"With Pittsburgh, they had a good year this year too. It's the same with Pittsburgh, they had a good year."