Stephenson High linebacker Tra Wilkins has reported scholarship offers from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Auburn, Michigan and other powerhouses. On Monday, the rising senior was at Georgia Tech paying an unofficial visit.
“I liked it,” Wilkins said. “It’s different. It’s in the city. It’s not too far from my house, so that’s what I like about it.”
It was Wilkins’ first visit to Tech. His area recruiter is defensive line coach Jerome Riase, who Wilkins said reached out to him through Twitter about a month and a half ago. Riase, hired in January to replace Mike Pelton, is “a chill coach” in Wilkins’ estimation.
“We’ve been talking,” Wilkins said. “He’s been trying to get me up there, but I’ve been busy.”
Wilkins, who tweeted out his offer from Tech on Feb. 24, took a tour of campus and the football facilities Monday and watched the Yellow Jackets’ fifth workout of spring practice. He also learned more about Tech’s defense and where he might fit.
“They’re going to a 3-4, so they’re really looking for linebackers right now,” Wilkins said. “They think I’m the type that they need.”
Wilkins, listed at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, has long reach, quickness and a knack for accelerating into contact.
“I’m one of those type of guys, I like to lead the defense and know everything that’s supposed to be going on,” he said.
While some recruits seem to be enamored by the idea of playing in the SEC and in larger stadiums, Wilkins can see beyond that.
“Georgia Tech, it’s still a big school,” he said. “It’s in the ACC. It’s just a different conference name, really, but they can compete for the same thing the SEC competes for, a national championship.”
Wilkins said he would like to make a decision on a school before Stephenson’s spring game, which he said is May 18.
Notably, he said he planned to come back next Wednesday for a second unofficial visit to Tech.
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