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How it went: Tucker DL makes first official visit

By Scott Bernarde | Sunday, December 14, 2008, 11:01 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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Tucker defensive lineman Deion Roberson, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the opening game, returned on Sunday from Louisville, which was his first official visit.

The 6-foot-3, 258-pounder feels he can play right away for the Cardinals, who will lose three senior defensive line starters.

But the biggest impression he had from his visit was academic support. A meeting with the Louisville’s academic director assured him that he would get the help he needed to pursue a desired degree in business and finance. He said he was told he would have access to “two or three tutors.”

“Everything is right there in front of you,” said Roberson, who has yet to meet college entrance requirements but says he’s close. “They’re going to give you all the help you need to survive there.”

Roberson’s mother Gloria and brother Terrence accompanied him on the trip and he said both were impressed with what they saw. Still, he said he’s not ready to commit and will wait until after he takes officials to North Carolina State and West Virginia next month.

On the field, Roberson feels he can fit into Louisville’s aggressive style of defense. He came away with a couple of technique tips from coaches. “They want me to come in and play right away.”

Roberson said his rehab from a severe injury to his left ankle (dislocation) has him at “70 percent.” The ankle still swells and he periodically has a little pain. He said his doctors have told him it’s the kind of injury that will take time, but he should be 100 percent soon.

This week, recruiters from Louisville and N.C. State will visit him at Tucker, he said.

Roberson also has been offered by Memphis, Maryland, East Carolina, Michigan State, Iowa State, Georgia Southern and South Alabama. UGA has kept in touch with Roberson but has yet to offer.

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