Options increase for Ga. DT

A month ago, Ty McGill appeared to be headed to either an FCS program or junior college. Today, the Jesup (Ga.) Wayne County defensive lineman is looking like a lock to sign with an FBS team.

What changed?

"He got his test score over Christmas break," said Wayne County coach Jody Grooms.

When that occurred, attention for McGill, who is 6 feet 1, 275 pounds, skyrocketed. N.C. State, Marshall and Middle Tennessee State have offered; Illinois, Kentucky and Miami are interested.

"A lot of schools have requested film of him," Grooms said. "We've been sending film out all over the country. He's kind of overwhelmed right now."

N.C. State was the most recent to offer. The Wolfpack pulled the trigger last Thursday, Grooms said. McGill will visit the school Jan. 28. No other visits are scheduled, but that could change.

None of this seemed likely as recently as last spring.

"He changed his life a little bit," Grooms said. "He was a kid that everyone who came in [last spring] liked. But he wasn't projected to qualify immediately. He worked real hard in the classroom. He took an SAT prep [course]. He really worked hard on test-taking strategy. He can go anywhere he wants right now."

According to Grooms, McGill likely will play defensive tackle in college.

McGill, who started three seasons at Wayne County, was an all-region pick his junior and senior seasons. Following the 2010 season, he played in the state's North-South all-star game, Grooms said.

"He's a pass rusher," the coach said. "He's got a great first step."

Who leads for McGill?

Apparently, nobody … yet.

"All of this happened so fast," Grooms said. "He has a lot to think about. He just wants the opportunity to play college football."