Hardesty has three offers

Running back Montario Hardesty hasn't been mentioned among the best players in the state of North Carolina by many analysts early in this recruiting season. But if three in-state schools are correct, his name certainly belongs right up there.

North Carolina, NC State and East Carolina have all offered the 6-foot-0, 190-pound back from New Bern, N.C., one of the top high school football programs in the state.

"I can play running back or cornerback," said Hardesty. "Most of my numbers and attention came from my time at running back, but I've been told that I have all the athleticism and ability to play corner in college.

"At running back I have the vision and speed to cut upfield, find holes in the defense and attack. I don't get caught back on my heels, I take it straight to the defense and make them adjust to me and what I want to do."

Does Hardesty have a leader?

"No, I don't think so," he said. "At least not now. I have offers from State, Carolina and ECU, so those three have to be up there, and they're close to home which is nice. But there are other schools like Penn State, Clemson, Florida State and a lot of others that I'm going to have to take a long look at before making any kind of decision."

As a junior Hardesty ran for nearly 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns, and had more than 300 receiving yards as well.