Buckhannon makes seven commitments for ASU

Coach Hugh Freeze and the Arkansas State Red Wolves landed their seventh commitment of the Class of 2012 Sunday afternoon when Memphis, TN defensive lineman Greg Buckhanon gave his verbal pledge.

Buckhannon (6-1, 265) was also receiving interest from Auburn, Tennessee-Martin, and Tennessee Tech. However, he had the feeling early on that Arkansas State was the school for him.

"Arkansas State is a school I looked at from the beginning," said Buckhanon. "I liked the coaches and I liked the school, and my family is originally from Earl, so with me having family in and around Arkansas, that played a big factor in my decision. I just really thought it would be nice to go back to Arkansas."

He also said he really liked coach Maurice Harris, the main coach who was recruiting him.

"Coach Harris was great when he was recruiting me early on," said Buckhanon. "He told me that he thought I looked really good, and he wanted me to get to camp and show Coach Freeze and the rest of the coaches what I had, and he thought I would get an offer. I went up there, and I got that offer."

Despite not holding any offers from any other schools, Buckhannon said he was receiving some heavy interest from several schools.

"I have been hearing a lot from Tennessee-Martin, Tennessee Tech, and Auburn," said Buckhannon. "They all showed a lot of interest, but they never offered me. Even if they did offer, I don't think it would have played a part in my decision."

He also spoke about his goals for his senior season.

"I want to break the sack record for the state of Tennessee," he said. "I just want to completely dominate everyone I go up against, and I know I can and I will. Most of all, I want to win a state championship."

He also stated that he will be working hard to prepare for the next level.

"The main thing I am going to work on is getting ahead in my school work," said Buckhannon. "I mean, my grades are good, but I just want to do a little extra and help get myself ahead a little bit. I'm going to take some more classes and work hard in the classroom. Other than that, I'm going to run harder and train harder. I know that once I get to that Division One level, I am going to have to up my game, so I am going to start early on that."

Buckhannon also stated that the situation on defense with the graduating seniors this year did not play much of a factor in his decision.

"I knew I wanted to go to ASU before I found out that they would graduate so many on defense," said Buckhannon. "I mean, yeah, I wouldn't mind playing early, but that did not play a part in my decision at all."

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