Two of Gabe King's football-playing buddies are Oregon commitments

While we wait for the final resolution of DE Gabe King’s apparent move from North Carolina to South Eugene High in Oregon, another key reason for his decision has become apparent.

Two of the friends he had hoped to play with at Northern Guilford High have committed to Oregon. The N.C. High School Athletic Association has banned King from playing his senior year at any public school in the state--he had hoped to play at Northern Guilford.

Oregon just happens to be (A) in Eugene and (B) one of King’s three finalists, along with California and Alabama.

King's buddies are linebacker/DE Chris McCain and defensive back James Scales, both of whom are recent commitments to Oregon.

His friends’ being there could make King’s adjustment to college a bit easier, especially now that it appears he’s decided to head all the way across the country to play.

As for King’s status, South Eugene athletic director Dave Hancock said late last night that King was enrolled in school, and officials were in the process of determining whether his parents would be living in the area, which is necessary for him to remain enrolled.

--Stan Olson If you have any recruiting news, drop me a line at solson@charlotteobserver.com