Whitley headed on first official this week

Rockingham (N.C.) Richmond County running back Norman Whitley took an unofficial visit to North Carolina State last weekend to witness the Hokies-Wolfpack opener. What did the 5-foot-8, 177-pounder with 4.47-second speed think of his visit?

"I enjoyed the game, North Carolina State made a couple mistakes in the game and Virginia Tech played really well," he said. "It was hard for them to contain Marcus (Vick) and you can't make mistakes in close games against good teams, but overall I enjoyed it.

"The atmosphere at State wasn't like some of the other teams I've visited, but they've done fairly well. I also know a couple of the players on the team and enjoyed spending time with them. I got to talk to coach Williams, Renaldo Moses, A.J. Davis and Toney Baker. I think they're recruiting me as a defensive back and I'd rather play running back, but I'm a good athlete and I can play anywhere on the field."

Did the Wolfpack help themselves more from the visit by the three-star running back?

"I'm pretty wide open, but I can say that any time I go to a school, if I'm taking my time there is an interest there from me."

This week the No. 10 player in North Carolina is headed to Ohio State for an official visit.

"I'm going to the Texas-Ohio State game," he said. "They haven't offered, but they are talking. I like the school a lot and I know they had a running game a few years back with Maurice Clarett and they also have an outstanding defense. I really think they're close to offering and if they do they'll be right up there in one of my top three spots."

Currently Whitley holds two offers from East Carolina and North Carolina.

Coaches have been able to call recruits since September 1st. So far Whitley has spoken to coaches at two schools.

"I have gotten calls from Virginia and North Carolina State," he said. "I think a lot of the schools haven't gotten in touch with me because they don't know my new phone number."

The No. 23 running back in the country has helped his team to a 3-0 record.

"I haven't gotten that many touches, but I've already got over 500 yards rushing and five touchdowns," he said. "I'm only getting the ball eight, nine, 10 or 11 carries a game because we're spreading the ball out since teams are putting a lot of guys in the box to stop the run. I'm not too happy with how I've done, but as long as we get wins that's what matters most."