N.C. athlete has an open mind

THOMASVILLE, N.C.- Interest in Thomasville High athlete E.J. Abrams-Ward has been picking up some serious momentum during the early portion of the Class of 2008 recruiting cycle. The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder, who led his high school team to an unbeaten record and a Class 3A championship in 2006, is busy learning about all of the programs that are looking at him.

"So far I've been hearing from North Carolina, Wake Forest, East Carolina, Clemson, Tennessee, South Carolina, Boston College and Florida," Abrams-Ward said. "I'm just feeling them out waiting to see who all comes to me and gives me an opportunity and lets me know what's going on there."

Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and N.C. State have offered for football. East Carolina has offered for football and basketball.

"My coach has talked to many of them that said they are going to offer, even as early as this week," Abrams-Ward said.

Abrams-Ward, who is in the midst of a state playoff run with the Thomasville basketball team, plans to make some unofficial visits to colleges during the spring.

"I've been getting letters about what days to come on and the schedules and what not. I don't know which ones. I think soon I am going to go to a Junior Day at Clemson and I was supposed to go to one at East Carolina on Sunday, but I don't know if that's going to work out or not.

"I'm hoping to go to others and maybe watch a day of spring practice or something like that."

There are several things Abrams-Ward will be looking for in a football program.

"I'm going to be looking for chemistry," he said. "I want to feel as though I am part of a team and welcomed and also that I will make an impact on the team when I get there."

Abrams-Ward has spent most of his career at outside linebacker. This past season, though, he switched to quarterback and led his team to the state championship from that position. According to Thomasville head coach Benji Brown, some schools have been showing interest in Abrams-Ward under center.

The talented athlete has no preference in terms of position at the next level.

"As long as I can come on the team and be a great asset or make a big impact no matter where I play, I am fine," Abrams-Ward said. "I just want to get out there and do what they ask me."

He talked about the special nature of the successful program at Thomasville High School.

"It all starts before high school," he said. "We all grew up together so the chemistry is there. In middle school, pee-wee, junior varsity, we all play together, so there is chemistry in terms of knowing which positions guys are good at and things like that. We just come together when it is time to put it all on the field."

Abrams-Ward talked about his style of play and what he brings to the table from and athletic standpoint.

"I'm not necessarily fast and am not necessarily quick, but it's hard to bring me down, it's hard to get your hands on me," he said. "I bring excitement to the game. I am able to bring out the best game in everybody. Like during the pregame, I will talk to my teammates and get them fired up."