OL Monk is one to watch

Charlotte (N.C.) Providence offensive lineman Harrison Monk is an emerging lineman for the 2012 class. The 6-foot-4, 246-pounder has blown up in the past year and is now gaining serious college interest.

"Last year as a sophomore I played at 208-pounds," he said. "Now, I'm at 246. I've improved a whole lot. I gained a lot of weight and stopped playing other sports and decided to focus on football."

The focus has already benefited him with all-conference and all-county honors this past season as a junior.

"I felt like this year wasn't a home run year I needed, but definitely a solid year," he said. "It was very beneficial for me, I got stronger and quicker, I matured more in the game than last year."

In terms of recruiting, regional teams are on Monk.

"I'm getting a little bit," he said. "I'm talking to Wake Forest, Duke and I'm getting ready to go to Furman.

"I just sent out my highlight tape. I'm also getting letters from Elon, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, NC State and Virginia."

Does anyone stick out?

"I'm a big NC State fan, I always have been since my dad went to NC State," he said. "But, my parents grew up in Winston-Salem, I have family there and I'm really getting to like Wake Forest a lot. I was there two weekends ago for a junior day."

Monk discussed the junior day more.

"I loved the campus at Wake Forest," he said. "The coaching staff is really top notch. I really liked the atmosphere at Wake and the way it feels."

Boasting a strong 3.2 GPA, Monk broke down what he wants in a college.

"I'm looking for a great degree, coming out of college that's something everybody wants," he said. "I'm looking for that personal feel with the coaches and players. I was talking to Coach Cutcliffe at Duke and he was telling me how much of a family it is. That is certainly something you want to have with your team since you're stuck with them all the time.

"Location is a factor too, my mom is gonna want to see my games, so it has to be close enough."