Greene makes a decision

Raleigh (N.C.) Leesville Road athlete Zach Greene has made a decision. The 5-foot-10, 164-pounder made his pledge earlier this evening between offers from South Carolina, Duke and North Carolina State.

"I committed to Duke," he said. "It was a real hard opportunity to pass up with the education and what they can do for me down the road. That gives me a lot more options, every department at Duke is world class and getting a free education like that is hard to pass up. I think I want to study engineering.

"As far as the football side, I love the coaches over there. They guaranteed me they would start winning games and turn this thing around. I can be part of something special, this new class coming in. Also, I have a good chance to play early over there."

Greene went on about his choice.

"Coach Cutcliffe really emphasized how they are going to win," he said. "To tell you the truth, Duke is probably the school that recruited me the hardest. They really made it a point to let me know now much they needed me. They actually want me to come early in the spring, but I haven't made a decision on that. That's something I have to talk with my family about."

The two-star prospect acknowledges many may be surprised by his choice.

"I know my decision may be a surprise to a lot of people," he said. "People expect me to go to NC State with my ties to the program and how I grew up in their stadium. I really had to separate my emotions from the decision and make the smart choice that will benefit me down the road."

As for his position, Greene expects to play defensive back.

"When I go in there, they want me to play cornerback and may use me on special teams as well for kicks and punts."