NC end Artis starting to take visits

Recruiting is rising for Dudley (N.C.) Southern Wayne 2012 defensive end/linebacker Devonte Artis. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder took his second straight unofficial this past weekend to an ACC school and came away impressed.

"I visited Duke a week ago on Saturday and North Carolina this past Saturday," he said. "I liked both visits. I really liked North Carolina.

"I like the spirit there, the school spirit and the way the school is run. I talked to Coach Davis a bit as well as the defensive coordinator. They talked to me mainly getting my weight up and keeping my grades up.

"As for Duke, they said they have seen my film and couldn't overlook a pass rusher like me."

Does Artis like anyone in the early going?

"Mainly those are who my coach talks to, I do like North Carolina," he said. "I like their defense and how it's run. I've liked Carolina for a long time and they are getting good.

"I'm also hoping to hear from Florida, Ohio State and South Carolina."

Artis and Southern Wayne are in the second round of the playoffs after finishing the year 5-6.

"I've done good this year," he said. "I'm averaging somewhere around 10 or 11 tackles a game. I'm a linebacker this year; I was a defensive end as a sophomore. I think I average a couple sacks a game. Mostly my pass rushing sticks out right now and my power to get to the ball. I'm good at shedding off blocks."