San Antonio, Texas-Standout North Babylon (N.Y.) running back and U.S. Army All-American Jason Gwaltney, 6-0 and 223-pounds arrived in San Antonio, Texas today fresh off his official visit to West Virginia. Scout.com sat down with the No. 11 running back in the nation.
Gwaltney a four-star prospect admits his visit to Morgantown has really changed his thought process. Gwaltney has narrowed his search to Ohio State, USC, and West Virginia, after originally committing to the Mountaineers back in February and then decommitting last month.
Gwaltney visited West Virginia Thursday (1/7) and Friday (1/8), before departing for San Antonio and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Pat White served as Gwaltney’s host for his official visit. The food at coach Rodriguez may have been the highlight of Gwaltney’s trip had it not been for the love the Mountaineer faithful showed him at the WVU/St. Johns basketball.
“I walked into that game and everyone started chanting “Jason Gwaltney—over-and-over” that was tight,” Gwaltney said. “That showed me that the people there really want me to be a Mountaineer.”
Ohio State and USC appeared to be the front-runners, but after the Gwaltney’s official visit the Mountaineers may be in better shape then some may think.
“My visit went really well, it is going to make my decision that much tougher,” Gwaltney said.
Gwaltney has various reasons for favoring Ohio State, USC, and West Virginia.
USC-“They are recruiting monsters, they show you everything you want to see. They have tradition and may win a title again next year.” Ohio State- “They have tradition, they are ranked in the pre-season top 2-3. It is a big time atmosphere. I am a little concerned about the allegations there.” West Virginia- “It is like family, they are more real with me. Football is god in West Virginia.” Gwaltney is not positive if he will announce at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan.15, 2005 or on ESPN News on Feb.2, 2005, during national signing day.
“I haven’t decided which day that I will announce for sure, I may know by the end of the week,” Gwaltney said.
For the time being, Gwaltney is focusing on the All-American Bowl.
“I’m here to have fun, and play football,” Gwaltney said.
Gwaltney is part of a contingent of New Yorkers that includes Greg Paulus, Nyan Boateng, and Matthew Waldron. Gwaltney is going to make it a point to show all that New York is not just a basketball state.
“I think we are putting it on the map, if you think about there could very easily be two more N.Y. kids who should be here Doug Worthington and Justin Schifano,” Gwaltney said.
Facing the most pressure packed decision of his young life has been a struggle at times for one of the best big backs in the nation.
“I have a lot of mixed emotions, I’m facing the most important decision of my life. It’s be tough and very confusing,” Gwaltney said.
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is played in San Antonio, Texas., at the Alamodome on Jan. 15, 2005, and broadcast nationally on NBC at 1 p.m. eastern. Scout.com is a sponsor, the official selection partner and exclusive on-line partner of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, as well as the associated U.S. Army Combine for underclassmen.