[LeeCoUKFan]

Rivals250 QB previews Friday decision

Woody Wommack
Analyst

With less than 48 hours until he announces his college decision Burlington (Ky.) Connor and Rivals250 quarterback Drew Barker opened up about his three finalists and why he decided to make a commitment now.

"I just felt like it was a good time," Barker said. "The summer camp period is about to start and I'm going to be out there recruiting some guys to the school I choose. I felt like it was time to do it and I was comfortable with the decision I made."

Barker will decide between Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina in a ceremony at his high school on Friday afternoon and he said he's already reached a final decision.

"I've decided but I haven't told any of the coaches yet," Barker said. "I might call them on Friday before I announce but for the most part I'm keeping it to myself.

He added that the only people who know are his parents and his sister and that his family played a big role in his decision.

"My parents were really helpful during the process," Barker said. "They gave me advice and tips that helped me decide."

Barker gave the latest on each of the SEC schools vying for his services:

South Carolina: "They came by last week and I think Coach Mangus is coming by tomorrow. I feel comfortable with Coach Spurrier and they've a prominent program with recent success. I really like the situation they have quarterback-wise going forward."

Kentucky: "They came in late with a new staff but they made up for it in a hurry by getting me down there. The coaches were at my school the second day after they got the job. They're done everything they can do to make sure I'm wearing the blue and white. There are a lot of things that go with that in this state, it can set you up with job opportunities in the future for life after football. On the field I like the offense and Coach Brown and all the coaches are cool and they're getting some good recruits right now."

Tennessee: "They're kind of different because I'm really familiar with that staff because they were recruiting me at Cincinnati. I was familiar with Coach Jones and Coach Elder because they've been on me for a long time. They have the best facilities I've seen. They're bringing in big-time recruits. Todd Kelly and Jalen Hurd, they've all been on me pretty hard to go there."

Barker took visits to Tennessee and Kentucky last month and said he had seen all he needed to after those trips.

"I've seen the schools that I wanted to see," Barker said. "I felt like it was time to make a decision and now I'm ready to announce."

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/con...ID=1504054