Ohio State becomes a player for Gwaltney
Long Island (N.Y.) North Babylon running back Jason Gwaltney took his first official visit this past weekend, despite being a commitment to the West Virginia Mountaineers. Did a visit to Ohio State change anything?
"I was very impressed," said the 6-foot-0, 234-pounder. "The facilities, the coaching staff, the young players they have on the team and the recruiting class they brought in last year and are bringing in this year -- it's all very impressive. And they don't have a back like me. Antonio Pittman is a smaller back."
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Gwaltney, who is ranked as the No. 90 player overall in the country and No. 8 running back, is still committed to West Virginia, but it's as shaky a commitment as it has been.
"Man, it's tough," said Gwaltney. "Ohio State is place where I could fit in and see myself playing. They have some really good young talent and guys like Alex Boone coming in to a young offensive line. I'd say I'm still committed to West Virginia, but it's very close. I guess everyone will have to tune in to the U.S. Army All American Bowl to see who I pick."
Gwaltney has a few more official visits left before anything is decided.
"I'm going to Central Florida on Dec. 3, Michigan State on Dec. 10 and Southern Cal on Dec. 17," he said. "Then I'll finish with West Virginia on Jan. 7."
Gwaltney rushed for 406 yards and nine touchdowns this past Friday before leaving for his visit. He was removed from the game in the middle of the third quarter because the game was a blowout.
"I was hoping for double digits," he laughed. "It was a good game."
The Buckeyes of Ohio State might have an edge on West Virginia down the stretch based on three letters that Mountaineer fans have heard more than enough -- BCS.
"Ohio State will always be BCS contenders," he said. "Down years like this one just usually don't happen. Louisville is coming into the Big East next year and they could be the best team in the league. West Virginia is a great program, but only one school will go to a BCS game from the Big East every year and there's no telling if it will be them."
Gwaltney's half brother, Scooter Berry, has also committed to play for West Virginia. Would this affect his decision?
"No, me and Scooter have to do our own thing," he said. "If we go separate ways, that's cool and we know it."