ESPN Midwest recruiting Blog

Posted by Bill Kurelic

Running back Marcus Lattimore (Duncan, S.C./Byrnes), the No. 10 prospect in the ESPNU 150, is set to make an official visit to Penn State the weekend of Oct. 10 when the Nittany Lions play Eastern Illinois.

However, Lattimore may be accompanied by teammate Nick Jones.

"I think me and Marcus are going to Penn State Oct. 10," Jones said. "I would probably make it an official visit."

Lattimore has narrowed his long list of scholarship offers down to Penn State, South Carolina, Oregon, North Carolina and Auburn. In addition to his trip to Happy Valley, Lattimore has an official visit set for Oregon the weekend of Oct. 31.

Lattimore and Jones are interested in going to the same college.

"I'm looking at South Carolina, Auburn, Michigan and Penn State," Jones said. "All of them except Penn State have offered (a scholarship)."

Jones also plans to add one more school to his list.

"I plan to take all five official visits," he said. "North Carolina will probably be my other school. I am hearing they are real close to offering."

In addition to official visits, Jones plans to make a number of unofficial visits.

"I'll probably go to the South Carolina against Ole Miss game and the South Carolina against Florida game," he said. "I'll get to Auburn and North Carolina games too."

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Jones plays wide receiver and running back. He is being recruited as a slot receiver.

Reed has two favorites

Though his team was defeated by Columbus (Ohio) Brookhaven 23-21 on Saturday, quarterback Verlon Reed (Columbus, Ohio/Marion Franklin) had a solid game. Reed threw for a touchdown and rushed for one, while also playing in the Marion Franklin secondary.

The 6-2, 185-pounder is being recruited as a quarterback for the most part, though Ohio State has talked with him about playing defensive back.

"I have four (scholarship) offers," Reed said. "Bowling Green, Toledo, Kent State and Syracuse have offered. I'd say Toledo and Bowling Green are my leaders. I've been to those two so I like them best."

Reed said he plans to visit Syracuse as well, most likely on an official visit.

"I'll wait until after the season to pick a college," he said.