Ready for showdown

Lebanon, Pa. defensive tackle Jared Odrick has taken two of his five official visits so far, to Florida and to Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-5, 303-pounder will also take an unofficial visit this weekend to watch Penn State host Ohio State in a College Gameday atmosphere. So who are the leaders for Odrick's services and what is his timeframe for a decision?

"My parents know some folks who tailgate at every Penn State home game, so we're going there this weekend," Odrick said. "It should be a great atmosphere for a game."

Will Odrick be pulling for the Nittany Lions?

"Yeah, they're one of my top teams," he said. "I would say right now that Florida and Penn State are my top two with the others in there as well."

Odrick visited the Gators on Sept. 16 and has a visit set with Penn State for Oct. 28. He has already been to Virginia Tech and has officials set with Georgia (Nov. 11) and Virginia (Nov. 18) as well. What makes Florida and PSU stand out?

"I liked the coaches and atmosphere at Florida when I was there and I really clicked with coach Mattison and Meyer," he said. "For Penn State, it's close to home and they have great fans and I have respect for coach Paterno. I also get along well with coach Johnson."

Odrick's decision will come following his five official visits, but he's not sure when. So far this season his team is 3-2 and he's getting quite a bit of attention.

"I get doubled or tripled on most plays and there are a lot of chop blocks and high-lows," he said. "The chop blocks don't just come from offensive linemen, I'm getting chopped by tight ends, running backs, you name it. It's been frustrating."

Although he has the feet and frame to be a standout offensive lineman, Odrick wants to play defense in college.

"All of my five favorites say they want me on defense," he said. "That's where I want to play so it's important."