Gross making the rounds

So far this spring, Memphis (Tenn.) Melrose junior William Gross has been checking out Division 1 campuses and steadily adding more offers. The talented 6-foot-2 and 190-pound quarterback is also making future plans for more visits, including a return trip to Mississippi State this weekend.

"I have already been to junior day at Mississippi State and I also went to Tennessee-Chattanooga this past weekend with some friends," said Gross. "I am going back to Mississippi State this weekend, too, and Coach (Dan) Mullen wants to meet my family. So I am coming back with my family and watch them practice.

"I am also going to visit Louisville next month and see how things are up there."

Gross, who accounted for over 2,700 yards of offense and 31 touchdowns last year, noted he currently holds offers from MSU, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee,

Kentucky, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Memphis and Arkansas State.

And of that group, Gross noted a couple of schools have grabbed his attention in the early stages of his recruitment.

"Mississippi State is really sticking out to me and so is Louisville," said Gross. "Both have good programs and I want to keep getting to know more about their programs. I like Mississippi State's coaches and they have some older players at quarterback. They also have a good young quarterback in No. 15 (Dak Prescott) and he just graduated high school early.

"I am looking at depth charts but schools having young quarterbacks doesn't bother me at all. It is all about competition and you will have that regardless of where you go, especially in the SEC. And you must have competition to improve. Without competition, there is no sense in playing. It also helps to have older guys at my position at these schools so I could come in and learn from those guys."

Along with his visits to these schools, Gross is also remaining active on the athletic front.

"I am playing baseball right now and also running track," said Gross. "But I am also working on football, working on my footwork and my speed and lifting weights. I am running the 400 meters and 4 x 200 relay in track. It helps to keep us in shape for football and that is why all the football players are out there in track. The coaches want me to get faster for the next level and track helps out that process."

One process Gross isn't speeding up is his recruitment, however.

"I am taking things very slow," said Gross. "I am just seeing these schools and taking in all the information. I am looking at spread and pro-style offenses and I believe I can be successful in either one. You just have to find the right fit from the coaches to the players to the school."