Whitley to decide next week

It's nearly decision time for three-star safety Eddie Whitley out of Matthews (N.C.) Butler. The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder is down to two schools and plans to decide soon after a visit to one of them next week.

"I'm probably going to make my decision by next week," he said. "My last visit is on Monday to Virginia Tech and then I'm going to sit down and go over everything and make a decision after that.

"I don't think I'll do a press conference. I'm probably just going to announce on Wednesday."

Before announcing, Whitley plans to make one last trip to Virginia Tech.

"It's my first time to go up there and get a view around the campus," he said. "I want to go talk to the academic advisors and compare it to NC State."

The No. 21 safety in the country went on to discuss what stands out about the Hokies.

"Virginia Tech is just like a real football school when you go there," he said. "They've got a lot of tradition and you see a lot of great players that have been lifting in the weight room. That's a plus for me, knowing that people like that have been through there. Also, the coaches have been there for awhile and I like them a lot. It's a stable environment."

Whitley will be headed to Virginia Tech with his parents.

"They haven't been to Virginia Tech and I want to see how they like it and feel about the school," he said. "I know my parents want to talk to the coaches."

Meanwhile, the No. 11 prospect in the Tar Heel State discussed his other leader, North Carolina State.

"It's the same thing like at Virginia Tech, the defense," he said. "Their defense has the most NFL experience amongst anybody in the ACC and what better defensive coach to have than coach Reed. He's coached the likes of Lito Sheppard and Brian Dawkins. He's somebody that has already been in the leagues and knows how to get there. I want to be there one day. He also won't push me, instead he jokes around and is a good coach that teaches technique."

Rumors have popped up in recent weeks that Whitley has been in touch with commitment Dwayne Maddox and target Terrell Manning. Is there any truth to the rumors?

"Terrell and I talk and I've been emailing Dwayne a few times," he said. "I do talk to Terrell over the phone and basically check up with him. We played against each other last year and we just have a really cool relationship. I know he likes Virginia Tech also and it could go both ways."

Do Manning and Whitley impact each other on their respective decisions?

"We've talked about going to the same school and that would be cool," he said. "But I know he's also going up to Tennessee and if he feels that is the right place for him I'm not going to push him elsewhere. I can say it would be nice to have a big-time linebacker to play with."