ATLANTA – These days, Owen Carney prefaces nearly everything he says with the phrase “things can change.” He uses it when he names Duke as his leader and also when he says he plans to announce a commitment in mid-December.

Carney knows there are programs out there than can impact his recruitment with an offer. So when his phone’s text message alert goes off during an interview, he stops to read the line from Alabama assistant coach Mario Cristobal. There’s no offer yet, but Carney’s hoping that changes soon.

"That would be a game-changer,” he says of a possible offer from the Crimson Tide. “That would for sure change things.”

Duke remains in the lead for the time being, but on the heels of visits to Georgia, LSU and Alabama, Carney is open to a number of options should new offers arrive.

“I really liked it at Georgia,” Carney said. “I really like the way they are looking at using me there."

IN HIS WORDS: “Duke is still the leader,” Carney said. “Then, I have Illinois, Utah and Miami is still floating around.”

RIVALS REACTION: Duke has to like its current position, but an offer from Alabama or another SEC school could quickly impact Carney’s recruitment.