Seven early offers for 2014 DB
Sophomore defensive back Quin Blanding of Virginia Beach (Va.) Bayside has already made a name for himself with seven early offers, and this off-season he plans to prove himself even further. Last weekend he attended a top NUC event in New Jersey and came away with defensive back MVP honors.
"I wanted to show people that no matter what class you're in or how old you are you can still come out, compete and show that you're the best," said Blanding.
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The 6-foot-2, 185-pound safety picked up his most recent offer from North Carolina. The Tar Heel offer joined previous offers from Virginia, Virginia Tech, N.C. State, Connecticut, Vanderbilt and East Carolina.
"Recruiting is good so far," said Blanding. "I'm taking it slow right now, but things are going to start picking up soon as more schools start to see my film and evaluate me."
Coming from a top program like Bayside, Blanding realizes that more opportunities will come his way.
"We have a good reputation," he said. "When coaches come to see people like Smoke [Taquan Mizzell] and Anthony Cooper, they look at the film and they see another person. Other people are always helping you and bringing you forward."
Being a top in-state player in the Class of 2014, Blanding also knows that both Virginia and Virginia Tech will be coming after him hard.
"They're both very good programs," said Blanding "They're both very good educationally and they're like families there. They're both at the same level on my list right now."
Blanding has not taken any recent visits, but plans to attend spring games at both Virginia Tech and North Carolina.
Growing up, Blanding was originally a Florida State fan, but after becoming a quarterback at the recreational level he also began to follow Oregon because of their spread offense.
The sophomore has no plans to make an early commitment and will wait out the process.