Gruder adds major offer

Charlotte (N.C.) Charlotte Country Day linebacker Max Gruder was holding two offers from Rice and Western Michigan. The 6-foot-2, 227-pounder added a new offer from the Big East in just the last few days.

"A few nights ago I got a call from the coaches at Pittsburgh and they told me that Dave Wannstedt liked my film," he said. "They went on to say they've been recruiting me since summer camp and wanted to see what I could do this year. They finally had seen enough and offered me.

"I was glad to get it. It's a relief because it's an offer from a big-time school in a good conference. I like the coaches there; they are real and genuine guys."

Where does the offer now put the Panthers for Gruder's services?

"My top two are Western Michigan and Pittsburgh," he said. "I went on an unofficial last week to Western Michigan and the thing I like about them is their coaches. They have been recruiting me the hardest since day one and were the first school to offer. I like that the coaches have been honest the whole way through also."

As for visits, the Carolina linebacker is working on them.

"I've scheduled an official to Western Michigan for December 1st," he said. "I did talk to coach Wannstedt about a visit and he said he'll give me a bunch of times after the season."

Off. Dec. 1st WMich., Pitt visit, Wannst said after the season, good time, bunch of times.

Whoever shows most interest I'll end up, playing time most important, don't want to sit.

Certainly Pittsburgh was impressed by Gruder's play this season, enough so to give him an offer.

"I'm leading my team in tackles, interceptions and forced fumbles," he said. "I've got around 100 tackles and three interceptions. I've definitely seen a big difference between this year and last. My speed is better now that I'm down to 218-pounds.

"My team is doing well too. We won the conference title on Monday and now the playoffs are coming up. We're undefeated in the conference and have the No. 1 seed in our bracket. I hope we can make it to state and I think we can if we keep playing well."