FreShad Hunter narrows list, sets first official

Rivals250 defensive end Fre'Shad Hunter has essentially narrowed his list to approximately five schools. The Cary, N.C. prospect discussed his finalists as well as his one official visit coming up.

"Right now things are going pretty good," he said. "I'm riding the recruiting wave. I've narrowed my list down to a strict five. These are the schools I'm trying to take officials to. The list is NC State, Florida State, LSU, Tennessee and Ohio State. I already have a visit set with LSU on October 9th. I plan to make my way to Ohio State and Florida State for a game.

"I just want to go down to LSU and have some fun on my official. I think they are a powerhouse football program and I want to see with my own eyes what they have to offer me."

One other school is still in the mix for the No. 5 prospect in North Carolina.

"I have that list of five schools and then there is another school in the mix on my list that's been one of my favorites and I love the love they show me and that's East Carolina," he said. "It's just the atmosphere there. Coach Skip Holtz is a great, great man and I like that about him. You can sit down and talk to him about other things outside of football. If you have a problem, Skip Holtz is that guy. He's a humble person. After the camp, he sat down with me and my family for a long time."

Meanwhile, Hunter reflected on his five finalists.

Florida State: "Florida State is playing ball this year. I saw what they did versus BYU and they shocked the world right there. That was a big upset and they completely blew them out. Chuck Amato is recruiting me and we've built a lot of chemistry. He stays in touch with me a lot."

Tennessee: "I took a visit there at the beginning of the summer for camp and I worked with Monte Kiffin and the crew down there. The atmosphere is like nothing I've ever seen in my life. The stadium blew me away. They sit 100,000 fans every Saturday and it's a great honor to be coached by Monte Kiffin. I learned a lot from him."

LSU: "LSU is playing ball this year too. They are playing hard and their defensive line is playing as a unit. LSU has been in the picture since receiving the offer from them last year."

Ohio State: "I like my recruiter, he's a great coach and he gets his point across to you. He's got great character and Ohio State is on my list because of the athletes they produce and the winning tradition."

NC State: "I said that was No. 1 on my list and they were my first offer at the end of my junior season last year. I've built a great family friendship with Coach O'Brien and Coach Willis. They are cool laid back guys. It is an honor to be coached by them. They have produced guys in the league and it's just NC State's atmosphere. I got over there on Saturday and the fans show me love."

In fact, Hunter has visited NC State the past three Saturdays.

"I've been there for all of their games so far and I'll be there to watch the Pittsburgh game on Saturday."

So far this season, the No. 12 strongside defensive end has posted three sacks on the year.

"I'm doing pretty good," he said. "I'm pretty happy with my performance. I know I need to pick it up.

"We're pretty young this year, but our team has chemistry. I know once I leave Cary they'll be playing some ball and make me proud."