“I Never Thought it Would Be Like This”

Even though is one of the top offensive lineman in the class of 2009, West Scranton tackle Eric Shrive is not making any immediate moves with his recruitment. Now that he has over 30 offers in hand, he must try and work in as many visits as possible in a short amount of time. Is there any time for him to show up in Norman? Scout.com has the update…

Being the big man on campus definitely has its perks. But then again when you are as popular as top-rated recruit Eric Shrive of West Scranton (PA), things may get a little hectic at times.

The 6-foot-7, 292-pound offensive tackle is rated No. 3 in the nation according to Scout.com and it is clear that he will have a diverse group of colleges to choose from.

“I have 31 offers right now, but I got the last two a month ago,” Shrive said. “I got a lot of my offers early. You know, I knew I would be highly recruited, but I never though it would be like this.”

Like this meaning that Georgia, Florida State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Rutgers, Illinois, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Miami, Penn State, UCLA, Buffalo, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Duke, Florida, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan, Auburn, Temple, Boston College, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Carolina are the schools that have already extended offers to him.

Though he has clearly not named a favorite, nor has he began to narrow the list down, he did give some insight to a Big 12 program that he looks to do more research on in the near future.

“I’m trying to figure everything out and get down there for a visit,” Shrive said of Oklahoma. “I talk with coach (James) Patton a lot.”

Over time it seems that Shrive and Patton have began to keep solid communication between the two. In fact, according to Shrive, they talk nearly every week.

“I would say weekly or every two weeks I talk with coach Patton,” Shrive said. “He’s a great guy who has a great reputation, and has produced a lot of great NFL offensive lineman. He is easy to talk to and we have good conversations.”

Shrive said that he plans to continue and do research on all of the schools on the list, but there are a few things that he already knows about the Sooners.

“They have a great program with a great tradition,” Shrive said. “They have nice faculties and have a big fan base. I just need to do more research and talk to more players and coaches. You know things like that.”

But despite all of the national attention, Shrive manages to stay grounded when it comes to the priorities and what is best for those around him.

“First things first is always my team,” Shrive said. “I handle team business first, then recruiting when I get a chance. I never want my recruitment to get in the way of what’s best for the team.”

Shrive plays both ways for the West Scranton team, but is projected to play offensive tackle on the college level. He is in the process of trying to put together a summer schedule of unofficial visits.

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