TE Downs makes a decision

It didn't take long for tight end Brendan Downs to make a decision. The 6-foot-6, 224-pounder made his selection over the weekend while taking an unofficial visit.

"I committed to Duke on my visit yesterday," he stated. "I committed to Coach Cutcliffe and he was really excited. All the coaches were.

"He just talked to me about the future of the program and then I went to the basketball game."

Offers were heating up for the Bristol (Tenn.) Tennessee prospect as his latest came last week from Maryland along with others from Memphis and Baylor. What made him decide now?

"I just really thought about it and I thought there is no other place if I got another offer from I wouldn't turn down Duke. They are the perfect fit for me," he stated. "It's just everything about it, the football, their offense and the fact they throw to the tight end so much. I think I'm an ideal tight end as far as size and skill set. They threw the ball 33 times to their tight end last year. Plus, I like all the coaches especially the tight ends coach.

"Obviously, academics are great too and it's not too far from home."

As far as playing time, Downs may get a shot pretty early.

"They mentioned they have three senior tight ends and I'm not sure if they have much behind that. They said they were really looking for a tight end," he said. "I just feel great about my decision. I feel comfortable with it and it's a great place for me."