Westminster defensive end joins Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech’s Ramblin’ Wreck leads the band, cheerleaders, Buzz, players, and coaches before the start of the Georgia Tech home game against the Clemson Tigers at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Thursday, September 22, 2016. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Georgia Tech’s Ramblin’ Wreck leads the band, cheerleaders, Buzz, players, and coaches before the start of the Georgia Tech home game against the Clemson Tigers at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Thursday, September 22, 2016. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

CORTEZ ALSTON

Position: DE

Committed: Dec. 21

Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 247 pounds

High school, hometown: Westminster, Atlanta

Ranking: 3-star

What to know: Alston took his official visit to Georgia Tech on Dec. 9 and committed to the Yellow Jackets less than two weeks later.

WHAT HE SAID

On how long it took him to decide on Tech: "It took me a while. I was one of those later people to decide. Usually people decide in the fall, and I chose, I didn't want to feel like I cheated myself with not exploring all my opportunities so I just took me a little bit but that was because I just wanted to make sure I chose the right place where I fit."

On the emotions of making his decision: "It was kind of surreal. It was kind of odd because I thought 'Wow, The high school life is over and I'm entering the semi real world with college. It was the first big decision I made on my own, not completely on my own, but for my life. It was a good feeling though."

On his official visit (Dec. 9 and 10) influencing his decision to commit to Tech: "Just the way (coaches and Tech personnel) treat my family and I saw how well they were treating their athletes. … I really got a good vibe from my visit and that made me want to choose it."