Catching up with Todd Gurley

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Wed Dec 14 09:59:36 GMT-04:00 2011

SPARTANBURG – Todd Gurley Todd Gurley

Running Back

6-1, 200

Tarboro, NC

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The Tarboro (N.C.) running back is a solid 6-1, 195-pounder who is easily recognizable in his helmet, which looks like the one the Minnesota Vikings wear. But he also stands out on the football field, as he did Tuesday at Spartanburg High School as his North Carolina team prepares for this Saturday’s Shrine Bowl.

Gurley didn’t participate in all the drills as he is still recovering from an ankle injury, an injury that didn’t stop him as he rushed for 242 yards and four touchdowns to lead Tarboro to a 39-36 win over Lincolnton (N.C.) High for a 2-A state title Dec. 3 at NC State's Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.

He finished the season with more than 2,500 yards rushing and 38 touchdowns, and has narrowed his list of college choices down to Clemson, Georgia, North Carolina and North Carolina St. He reaffirmed on Tuesday that he will be announcing his decision at the Semper Fidelis Bowl in Phoenix Jan. 3, and despite having the Tar Heels as a leader earlier, says everyone is now equal.

“I don’t have a leader right now,” Gurley told TigerNet. “I haven’t really paid any attention to recruiting. I am just trying to work hard here and get ready for Saturday.”

He did admit that some of the Clemson commitments have been working him hard.

“I had a little bit of problem last night,” Gurley said with a big smile. “Some of the guys from South Carolina [the state, not the school] were working on me and telling me about it. I was like ‘alright’ but I haven’t really thought about it too much. I have just been chilling.”

New North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora called Gurley this weekend, and Gurley said Fedora wants him back on campus for another visit. Last week, he had Clemson head Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney

Head Coach

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“They were telling me about the ACC Championship,” Gurley said of the visit. “We talked about that and about how I would fit into their plans. Stuff like that.”

Gurley has played 48 games in the past three years – more than any college player would have played – and said he thinks his size and durability are a plus. He then said that people like to compare him to a couple of former great players.

“Last week at the state championship game, they were talking about how I remind them of Herschel Walker,” Gurley said. “Other people have said that, too. I try to be like C.J. Spiller because he is one of my favorite running backs but I know I’m not really like him. I am taller and bigger. I just try to do my thing.”