Interest picks up for Sturdivant
One of the South's top-rated
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has a simple process for determining who will be on his final list of
schools this winter.
"Whoever offers is who I'm considering most," said
Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview standout
Sturdivant. "Right now, that's SMU and Navy, but I'm starting
to see interest pick up pretty strong from three or four other schools.
"Last week, I went up to Michigan to visit when they
played Penn State. It was awesome. The 'Big House,' to me, seems like the
most fun place you could possibly play in the nation. There's over 100,000
people on top of you, and they're really loud. It was just amazing. Their
campus was also the best I've seen.
"They got to see my highlight tape, and I think they
were really impressed. Coach (Teryl) Austin said he really thought I could
play there, but the final call would be made by the head coach. I'm hoping
to hear back from them soon."
Sturdivant has also made visits to Georgia Tech (vs.
BYU) and SMU (vs. Texas Tech) earlier this season. His next planned trip is
Nov. 30 for Florida's game at Florida State.
The home state Yellow Jackets would likely hold an
edge on the other programs if a scholarship offer is delivered.
"I love Georgia Tech," Sturdivant said. "They're
another team who asked for some tape on my first three or four games. I hope
they like what they see. They're graduating their free safety this year -- a
guy from here at Parkview who I used to play backyard football with -- so I
feel like I could step in and pick up for him."
He said most of the teams on his list have been projecting him as a free safety. Georiga Tech has told him he could play either wide receiver or free safety in its system. Florida State likes him as an outside linebacker or rover.
"I like that," Sturdivant said, "because I love to hit. It's a position where you can go after the ball and make plays."
Regarding the teams he has offers from, Sturdivant
noted that his father played for SMU, and he has often thought of becoming a
Navy Seal.
"They're both really good offers," he said. "I just
want to wait and see how everything develops before I make any decisions."
Through six games this season, Sturdivant has been
labeled "Mr. Everything" by the local press. He rarely comes off the field,
evidenced by his impressive statistics: 29 carries, 243 yards rushing, four
rushing touchdowns; 13 receptions, 180 yards receiving, two touchdown
catches; 32 tackles, five pass break-ups, three interceptions; a 16-yard
average on punt returns.
As a junior, he earned all-region honors after
recording 1,012 all-purpose yards, 133 tackles and two interceptions for the
Class 5A state champions.