Erie McDowell ATH Greg Garmon ready for visits
by Wade Perry
Posted April 22, 2011 7:28 pm
When you check out his Facebook page, his name reads “Greg Ball-Game Garmon”.
If you take a look at the gaudy stats he’s piled up on the gridiron over the past couple of seasons, one could easily argue he’s earned that name.
During his sophomore year for Erie McDowell (Erie, Pa.), Greg Garmon gashed opponents for 584 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 45 attempts (over 12 yards per carry).
His junior season–well let’s just say the gifted running back kicked things into another gear.
The class of 2012 phenom shredded opposing defenses to the tune of 1,125 rushing yards last year and 11 touchdowns on 141 carries (8.7 yards per carry).
He also hauled in seven catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns (averaging 21 yards per catch).
His statistics are stunning but his highlight tape below will leave you shaking your head.
There’s one play where he takes a pitch to the 10 yard line, he’s met by a slew of defenders, Garmon backtracks all the way to the 30 yard line, reverses field, and scampers to the end zone.
Garmon has put together of dazzling display of moves in the open field over the years and his moves have caught the attention of several Division I-A college football coaches.
The talented playmaker has been flooded with scholarship offers from plenty of schools across the country–his offer list is up to 18 teams and it continues to grow by the week.
Currently, the 6’1, 200 pounder has offers from Buffalo, Connecticut, Cincinnati, Florida State, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kent State, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue, Rutgers, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia.
Florida has told him they are close to offering but they are waiting for him to set foot on campus this weekend.
Speaking of which–Garmon also said he’s supposed to make his way to Florida State this weekend for a visit as well.
FinestPreps.com caught up with the fleet footed running back to talk about his college football recruitment process.
Below is the interview.
FinestPreps.com Interview with Erie McDowell ATH Greg Garmon
FinestPreps.com: Talk about how the college football recruitment process is going for you.
Greg Garmon: “Right now it’s going crazy because I probably get an offer every week–probably one or two offers come in every week. So it’s pretty crazy right now.”
FinestPreps.com: Do you have any favorites at this point Greg as far as the recruiting process is concerned?
Greg Garmon: “Right now I like North Carolina, Michigan, Penn State is up there, a couple of Big Ten schools, then some ACC schools.”
FinestPreps.com: Tell me what you like about North Carolina.
Greg Garmon: “I’ve visited North Carolina about three or four times already. I went there this summer for their summer camp. That’s when I first started getting noticed by them. Their coaching staff seems outgoing and real friendly. They’ve got a nice campus, nice academics, and every time I went down there it just felt like home. The coaches brought me in and talked to me. They’re friendly. So it was nice.”
“Michigan–I talk to their coach about three times a week. I’m supposed to go down there next week or the week after. I’m just starting to get a real feel for their coaches. They’ve got a big tradition down there of running backs. That’s why I like it.”
“Penn State-it’s a hometown favorite, growing up watching them. I’ve got a couple friends that go there. My best friend plays for the team–he’s gonna be a freshman this year. I’ve been down there about three to four times. I’m actually going down there next weekend for the camp and I’ll probably go talk to the coaches at the same time while I’m down there.”
FinestPreps.com: What do you think are the biggest factors that will play a role in your decision making process?
Greg Garmon: “The offense that they run, the relationship with the coaching staff, their tradition, and contact with my family.”
FinestPreps.com: Talk about your upcoming visits to Florida and Florida State this weekend. Talk about what you like about those schools.
Greg Garmon: “They’re always good, they’re always competitive. Well Florida is big in basketball and football at the same time. I didn’t get an offer from them yet but that would be a school I would like to go see and hear more from. They would be in my top picks. Florida State–basically the same thing.”
FinestPreps.com: Greg what position have most schools told you they’re recruiting you as?
Greg Garmon: “Most of the schools are recruiting me as a running back. I’ve got a few defensive (defensive back) offers but that’s about it.”
FinestPreps.com: Do you have a preference where you want to play on the next level?
Greg Garmon: “I’m still waiting right now. I’d love to play running back but at the same time I’m gonna have to see who’s already there and who’s coming in at the same time. A couple of schools have been talking about just coming in as a defensive starter as a freshman.”
FinestPreps.com: Who’s your favorite football player of all-time, Greg?
Greg Garmon: “I don’t really have a favorite. I just like to watch football. I just like everybody.”
Keep it locked to FinestPreps.com for more on the talented running back’s recruiting process!
Check out his junior highlight tape below–courtesy of FinestPreps.com!