Machen is headed to the ACC

Three-star linebacker B.J. Machen wrapped up his recruitment earlier today. The 6-foot-0, 221-pounder out of Hilliard (Ohio) Darby decided to head to the ACC over offers from 25 other programs.

"I committed to Georgia Tech today around 11 or noon," he said. "I called Brian Jean-Mary and gave him the good news. He was excited about it.

"Then I called coach Gailey, the head coach and he was excited to have me on board too. He said that he's looking forward to getting me down there. He thinks I'm a big recruit that should help them recruit more people and get them to a national championship."

Machen discussed what made the Yellow Jackets stand out over offers from Duke, Illinois, Maryland, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Syracuse, West Virginia and numerous others.

"I took all of my unofficials, saw the campuses and spoke with the coaches," he said. "I was debating for quite a while and Georgia Tech came out on top.

"For one thing, I've got family there, DeRon Jasper. That had a good deal to do with it. Very seldom do you get the chance to play football with a family member. In addition I had family down there and Atlanta provides a great atmosphere especially for college. It's a good mix of campus and city life and a nice environment with good weather.

"Georgia Tech is also a great academic institution. That played a major role in my decision as I'm looking to go into biology and something in medicine. It's a place I can succeed in the classroom and on the football field."

The coaches were important in Machen's decision too.

"I heard a lot from Jon Tenuta and developed a relationship with him," he said. "I also met coach Gailey. He's a real down-to-earth person. I felt really comfortable with them and I could tell they wanted me to be there."

As for playing time, the No. 37 linebacker in the country hopes to make an impact once he arrives in Atlanta.

"I know wherever I go, I'll have to go in and ball out and do my best," he stated. "They play the best guys and nothing is promised to me. I think my chances are pretty good to play early if I work hard. I'm a competitor and will do what I can to get on the field early and help my team out."

Overall, it is obvious Machen is satisfied with his decision.

"I felt like I made the right decision and am glad to get it off my mind," he said. "There were so many big-time programs both academically and athletically which made my decision very hard, but I made the right choice and am excited to be a Yellow Jacket."