NC State still leads for OL

New Bern, N.C. offensive guard Julian Williams knows after fighting back from a serious knee injury during his prep career that playing on the college level will be special.

"I've got some good choices and can't go wrong," said the 6-foot-4, 291-pound prospect. "You are going to get a good education and that is important. And I'm excited about the schools out there. It took a lot mentally and physically to get back ready to play. Maybe it takes more mentally than anything. I'm getting closer and closer to where I was before the injury. I keep working everyday and I feel fine."

Not surprisingly the school in front is one that didn't back off when he suffered the injury after a great junior season.

"NC State is in front, and they have been," Williams said. "I like the school and the coaches. They have been with me from day one and I like what I've heard from them."

Williams said he hasn't made up his mind. He will be visiting East Carolina Jan. 7 and North Carolina State Jan. 14 and is scheduled to go to North Carolina Jan. 21.

"East Carolina is a good school and I will take a look," Williams said. "I'm going to keep my options open until I find that place that is the right fit. NC State has been there and I feel comfortable with them. I don't know about North Carolina. I haven't heard from their coaches in a long time, so I don't know what is going on with that."

Williams missed the recent Shrine Bowl all-star game between the best seniors from North Carolina against the best from South Carolina with a minor knee sprain, but said he is feeling fine. He looked better than fine this year helping New Bern reach the quarterfinals of state 4-A North Carolina playoffs. He helped clear the way for running back Montario Hardesty's more than 2,000 yards rushing this season.

Williams said a decision will come after his official visits.

"I want to see everything for myself, and then decide," he said.