Palmetto CB getting advice

With such a big decision as what college to attend, often recruits feel torn between the conflicting opinions of those close to him. That seems to be the case for one of the best defensive backs in South Carolina.

Jon Hefney of Rock Hill, S.C. is looking at three schools -- Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina, with the Vols and Gamecocks leading. But family and friends are pulling him in different directions.

"I really want Jonathan to go to Tennessee," said the mother of the 5-foot-10, 172 pound cornerback. "I took him there for an unofficial visit and I was very impressed with the academic opportunities that are available there. It's only about a three-and-a-half hour drive to Knoxville, so distance isn't a very big thing right now."

But that's not the only thing Hefney is hearing from those close to him.

"Jon has a friend who is being recruited to go to South Carolina but isn't really interested in Tennessee. I think he wants Jon to go to USC with him badly so that's having an impact on him right now. I haven't had a chance to really look at South Carolina's academics much yet, and that's really the number one thing for me."

Hefney is scheduled to take visits to South Carolina (Jan. 17) and Tennessee (Jan. 24). Or is he?

"He's supposed to go to South Carolina this weekend but I'm not sure if he's going to. South Carolina has gone a little while without talking to him and he told me that he's only going on the visit if they contact him in the next couple of days before the visit.

"Tennessee's staff has really been so outgoing towards us. They call a lot and they seem to want Jon so badly. Since November or December they've been talking to him a lot and it's good to know that they are so interested in him."

So does Hefney's mother think he's leaning in one direction?

"If I had to guess I would say he's probably leaning towards Tennessee, but that's not to say it's official yet. Hopefully he'll just make the best decision for his future and factor in everything, not just football."