NC safety favors the Pack

Safety Van Eskridge is one of the top defensive backs in North Carolina, and a local school stands out as his early leader.

Eskridge, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound safety from Shelby, N.C. runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and is leaning towards NC State. What does he like about the Pack?

"Well I've seen the school a couple of times, and I think they have a football program that's really on the rise. I like their approach to the game, especially on defense. They attack for four quarters, and even when things aren't going so well, they trust their guys to make plays. Plus I really like the social atmosphere at the school. The classes and majors offered are things I like."

Eskridge recorded 90 tackles and six interceptions in his junior season, and in doing so attracted the attention of other schools.

"North Carolina, LSU, Nebraska and Georgia are some of the main ones, besides NC State of course," he said. "A school like LSU that has just won the national championship showing that they like me is really big for me, but their success isn't everything. The same goes with Nebraska's tradition or things like that. I'm looking for more than just a football program -- I want to go somewhere that I'll feel at home."