Pertile impresses at camps

Clearwater (Fla.) Countryside offensive tackle Brandon Pertile went on a recent tour of schools along with other Sunshine State prospects.

"We saw Auburn, Tennessee, Clemson, and Georgia," Pertile said.

A pair of stops stood out to the 6-foot-5, 295-pound offensive lineman.

"Definitely Tennessee and Clemson," Pertile said.

The Central Florida prospect talked about his time working out at Tennessee.

"(Offensive line) Coach (Sam) Pittman told me a lot about Tennessee," Pertile said. "Throughout the drills he was talking to me on the side and told me they are interested. At the end of the day, he told me that I caught his eye and that I am talented. He told me that he was very interested in me and wanted to keep evaluating me.

"I talked to another one of the assistant coaches that was working the camp and he told me that they were probably going to offer me," Pertile added. "I will just let things fall into place."

Pertile feels like his performance at Rocky Top may land him an offer from the Volunteers.

"I think I might have earned it, but he needs to evaluate me more and learn more about me," Pertile said. "Going into the camp he didn't know much about me. He wants to do some research before he jumps out with one."

Beyond the camp, Pertile enjoyed his time in the country setting of Knoxville.

"I really liked the school and the place," Pertile said. "It is a really beautiful place. I just like how it is tight-knit and everything. It would be a nice place to live for a couple of years."

After impressing at Tennessee, Pertile made his way to Clemson for a camp. He got feedback from the staff after his performance.

"I talked with their coaches and they said they are really interested in me," Pertile said. "I spoke with Coach (Robbie) Caldwell a lot, the offensive line coach. I didn't really bring up an offer or anything, but he said he is very interested and wants to continue to evaluate me."

Pertile, who is now back in the Sunshine State after the tour, will head south this weekend for another camp.

"I am going to Miami Saturday," Pertile said. "I actually went to a camp there earlier this month and they are really interested."

At this time, Pertile holds offers from Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Gardner-Webb, Georgia State, and Western Kentucky. Interest is mainly from Clemson, Miami, and Tennessee. He says a few schools stick out.

"As far as my offers, Georgia State stands out, but out of those showing interest I really like Miami and Tennessee," Pertile said. "Clemson is up there too, but if Miami or Tennessee offered, I would probably think about committing to either of those two."

With regards to making a decision, Pertile would like to do it prior to his senior season beginning.

"I would like to decide before my season," Pertile said. "I would like to do it by August or September, but I am just waiting to hear more from those schools."

Pertile, who is being recruited as both an offensive tackle and offensive guard, said he may return to Tennessee for another visit in July.