Is Barfield still a Tiger

Defensive tackle Shukree Barfield gave a verbal commitment to Clemson just after they offered in June, but stressed that it was a soft verbal. Is he solid now, or is he leaning in another direction?

"I'm still looking at my options," said Barfield. "I'm going to see what offers come my way and what opportunities I have, but for the time being I'm still a soft verbal for Clemson. I have offers from Tennessee, Tulane, Penn State and Rutgers in addition to Clemson."

The 6-foot-4, 290-pound lineman from Camden, N.J. runs the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds and recently took an unoffical visit.

"I got back from Kentucky last week," he said. "I was there to see their game against Louisville. I just went there to see the game and didn't really get to talk to anyone. They had nice facilities and it was a good atmosphere for football. But I didn't get to tour the campus."

And while he remains a soft verbal for the Tigers, an SEC power is making a strong push.

"Tennessee is coming on very strong," said Barfield. "They're just about even with Clemson now. Both schools have great tradition, great football atmospheres and treat their players fairly. It's going to be a tough decision, and it may come down to those two. But like I said, I want to keep all my options open."

Barfield hasn't taken any official visits yet, but has a good idea of where he might go.

"I'm going to be taking my official visits some time in December. Right now it looks like I'd go to places like Clemson, Penn State, Tennessee and a couple of others, since they've offered. I haven't scheduled anything yet, but those three schools will probably be places I take officials to."

As a junior Barfield recorded 55 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and six sacks.