G-Tech impresses RB Anderson

Running back Andre Anderson out of Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson took a visit to his leader last weekend to attend the spring game.

"I had very good impressions of Georgia Tech," he said. "They are the leader right now, I like the field, stadium and I got to sit down with the coaches. I talked to coach Chan Gailey and coach Robinson and they talked to me about what I can expect coming to Georgia Tech with Reggie Ball in the backfield and how I can play as a freshman.

"They also told me how they dealt with running backs in the past like Emmitt Smith and Lamar Smith when he was in the NFL. He also told me how I can be a great contributor to the offense and they showed me around campus and talked about academics too. I got a feel for what Georgia Tech is all about."

Georgia Tech currently is the 5-foot-11, 190-pounder's lone offer. Who else is in the hunt for the talented back?

"These schools are among my favorites right now," he said. "Michigan, Florida, Virginia Tech and Louisville in addition to Georgia Tech."

What does Anderson like about the other schools he's interested in?

"Michigan has great running backs up there and a great football tradition. They also have good academics and they've been a team I have been watching growing up. I could be the next big running back to come out of Michigan," he said. "Florida is a good school and they are not too far away and they've got a nice warm climate. That's also where I'm from and it would be nice to play back home near my family. I think coach Urban Meyer will get them a winning attitude, but I'm not sure how he handles the running game. That's not too much my style and I'm hoping he changes it up a little bit.

"Virginia Tech is a technical school and I'm looking to major in Digital Animation. They also have a good football team. I've also been a fan of Kevin Jones along with Lee Suggs. I watched them and they are a good school with good coaches and it's a great place to play in the ACC. Along with Georgia Tech, there's good competition every week."

Finally, what does the running back like about Louisville?

"They lost two running backs last season and they are a good school with a good coach," he said. "They just came off a good season and I see an opportunity to play and run the ball a lot and win games too. They are also not too far away from home and not too cold or too hot. It looks like a good situation."

Anderson is currently training for combines including the Nike Camp at Georgia and the All-American combine at Auburn.

"I'm still doing track and my speed comes with that. I'm also doing workouts every morning and working out on the weekends to stay in shape and stay in a football frame of mind," he said. "I've definitely seen track help my speed, the training also helps my agility too."

With all the work, what is Anderson hoping for next year?

"I'm definitely looking to make a push for state," he said. "We are one of the most talented teams in the state. Personally I'd like to get 2,000 yards rushing; over 30 touchdowns, win state and go undefeated. If I could win the state championship and only get 1,000 yards, I would be happy, because I just want to win it as a team."

Last season Anderson had 158 carries for 1,042 yards and seven touchdowns as he was named most valuable back on the team.