USM visit goes well for Chestang

Moss Point (Miss.) High School's Josh Chestang has been committed to Ole Miss since November, but a coaching change has thrown some doubt into his plans. The lack of communication with Houston Nutt and his new staff has forced Chestang to investigate some other options.

"After not hearing from them for a long period of time, [the Ole Miss coaches] stopped at my school last week and said they'd honor my commitment," Chestang said. "They wanted me to come visit next weekend but I'm not able to go because I going to Alcorn. As of now the interest is like low interest."

Though he remains a verbal commitment to the Rebels, Chestang took a look at another program this past weekend when he headed to Hattiesburg, Miss. to see Southern Miss.

"I had a good time," he said. "I basically spent time with C.J. Bailey. He used to play with me at Moss Point. He showed me around and everything and gave me some good advice. We had a host and a hostess and we were free to ask any questions then we just rolled around. The campus is wonderful. It's a very good campus."

The trip clearly went well for Chestang but the one thing that stood out the most was the good cooking he received.

"The food was great man," he said. "This lady, she cooks for the football team. She does a wonderful job, breakfast, lunch and dinner. We went to this rib shop called Leathea's. They had an award like the best ribs of 2007. Man, they were good."

So with the good food and good company, what did Chestang rate the visit on a scale of 1 to 10?

"The visit was good man," he said. "I'd have to give it about and 8 or 9. It was real good."

Though Chestang is yet to have an official offer from the Southern Miss staff, he made a phone call to the coaching staff immediately following the trip to find out the status of an offer. He is still waiting on the word from Fedora's staff but the Golden Eagles definitely look to be a serious player in the battle for his services.

He still has more investigating to do though.

"If it comes down to nothing else, I feel comfortable going there," he said. "But the offer's not there. I need to check out Alcorn this weekend and I can weigh my options better."