Whitley takes Marshall visit

Running back Norman Whitley out of Rockingham (N.C.) Richmond County took his first official visit of the season this past weekend to Huntington, West Virginia. What did the 5-foot-8, 177-pounder think of the Thundering Herd?

"I had a great time and met a lot of players including Marcus Fitzgerald," he said. "I especially liked the players there because they were fun, but they also knew how to compete. They pretty much all acted like brothers."

What did Whitley do on the trip?

"I got there on Saturday morning and hung out with the players, took in a basketball game and more," he said. "That night I hung out with my host CJ Spillman. He's just a freshman and that was nice because he was straight up about everything including the coaching staff. On Sunday morning I got to meet with coach Snyder. He seemed like a great guy, but I was very impressed with coach Smith because he was straightforward and puts his running backs in the right direction."

Despite a good visit, the two-star prospect only rated his trip a seven or eight.

"I guess the real problem was that I got there on Saturday, but I had a great time," he said. "Right now, I'm favoring North Carolina. I'm doing whatever I can to possibly go there. I had a visit scheduled next week to Virginia, but they've assured me they won't be offering."

Why does Whitley favor UNC?

"I've been to their school more than anywhere else and I know it's a great school," he said. "I missed an opportunity very early in the recruiting process when they offered, but now I know that's where I want to be and spend four years there. I'm keeping my fingers crossed."

Now the question becomes will Whitley get the offer as he plans to make a decision sometime right around Signing Day.