UConn enters race for Kanuch

Johnstown (Pa.) Westmont Hilltop athlete Brad Kanuch took his third and perhaps last official visit of the recruiting season to Connecticut this past weekend. What did the 6-foot-0, 178-pounder with 4.4-second speed think of the Huskies?

"I had a great time there and the program is really on the rise," he said. "I got there on Friday and talked with coach Edsall. Then on Saturday I went out with my host Billy Cundiff who I liked a lot. I was very impressed with what he told me about how they are building a big program and have done so much in so little time. I also got to check out all the academic stuff. Then on Sunday I met with all the coaches and talked to coach Edsall some more.

"I didn't talk too much when I was there as he had just visited me at home a couple days earlier and answered all my questions. The thing I like about him is that he seems very straightforward and someone I could really trust."

The coaches discussed with Kanuch about being a deep threat wide receiver for Connecticut.

"They told me they've been lacking a deep threat and I like that," he said. "I believe that's where I can utilize my skills best because I've got a lot of speed."

Previous to this visit, the Huskies appeared to be trailing the Terps and Cavaliers for the three-star prospect. Have they made up ground?

"I'd rate my trip there a nine," he said. "I had a great time and I got to see where the program is heading. I really liked the coaches too. I'd say they are right up there with Maryland and Virginia.

"I like Maryland because I had a good time there on my visit. I also think I have a chance to play pretty early since they've lost a lot of wide receivers. I like Virginia still despite them losing coaches. Those coaches are important, but what matters is the head guy and Al Groh is still there. I still have a lot of interest in them because I like coach Groh and Price."

One other school that continues to be a player for the No. 28 athlete in the country is Penn State.

"Penn State is still in there too because of my family ties and my brother has mentioned coming back for his last year if I play there."

Kanuch is still considering making a decision before Christmas.

"I think I'm done with all my visits and I'd like to get a decision done before Christmas, but I'm not exactly positive yet."

Last week the No. 19 player in the Keystone State had in-home visits from Connecticut and Virginia.