Thanksgiving at Pitt for McCoy

Washington (D.C.) St John’s College linebacker Rico McCoy finished the season with 16 tackles in his final game. Now it is time to tackle which of the many schools after him will be his college home. He has four of his five official visits all set.

McCoy, a 6-foot-2, 210-pounder who just moved into our latest Rivals100, has visits set up with the schools he calls his top three - Ohio State (Dec. 3), Tennessee (Dec. 10) and Miami (Dec. 17). He is still looking at North Carolina and Pittsburgh.

About Ohio State: “I’m going to have to wait and see what happens with everything that is going on. A lot of people are saying they might get some sanctions, but I’m going to wait and see. They were the first big school to offer me and I’m going to look into them for sure. They’ve been real nice to me and I’m going to stick with them.”

About Tennessee: “All good things. I’ve been talking to coach (Phillip) Fulmer and he has been very cool. You look at their average attendance and that pumps you up. Plus, they are headed for the SEC Championship game with Auburn and that’s center stage.”

About Miami: “The tradition they have with linebackers is amazing. People like Ray Lewis who went right into the NFL. They’ve had a year like they don’t usually have. It is a great program.”

About UNC and Pitt: “They’ve both shown me a lot of love and they are still in the mix. I haven’t decided.”

Of his three favorites, McCoy said that Tennessee and Ohio State stand out.

"They've been recruiting me harder than Miami," he said. "You have to go where you're wanted. I'm still visiting Miami on Dec. 17 and I plan on taking all five visits, but those two stand out."

McCoy has a visit coming this week to Pitt and a tentative visit scheduled with North Carolina for Jan. 21.

"I'm excited about seeing Pitt," he said. "I leave on Wednesday and will be spending Thanksgiving there. I'll be at the game on Thursday night and will come home for Friday."