UNC, USC lead for A.J. Cann

I just got off the phone with Bamberg (S.C.) Erhardt offensive/defensive lineman A.J. Cann, and he said that North and South Carolina are his two favorite schools right now, as he attempts to trim his list of 34 scholarship offers.

The Tar Heels and the Gamecocks are co-leaders, he said, at the head of a top five list that also includes Georgia Tech, Clemson and N.C. State.

Although he’s been offered scholarships from schools across the country, one key to his favorites is that they are all in easy reach for family and friends, sort of a “Chad’s Circle” of programs.

Asked why North and South Carolina are currently his preferred destinations, Cann said, “I really like the coaches that are recruiting me; they are just the schools that are giving me the most love.”

Cann said that he has already been to all five of his favorites, with his most recent stop at the final day of Clemson’s camp Tuesday afternoon. He said that while he enjoyed that trip, his list is currently unchanged.

Why is he getting all this attention? Because he is a very quick 6-foot-2 and 255 pounds, capable of a 4.9-second 40-yard dash. And because he’s considered capable of playing on the offensive or defensive lines at the top programs in the country.

“North Carolina and South Carolina are both looking at me for offense, either center or guard,” Cann said. “Georgia Tech is thinking offensive line, Clemson says both and N.C. State is saying defensive line.“I really don’t prefer one over the other.”

Cann, who is ranked No.10 on our Top 25 S.C. Prospects List, said he’d still like to visit Tennessee and Virginia Tech, and possibly a couple other places. But he hopes to make his commitment before his senior football season begins in the fall.

–Stan Olson