Welsh ready to make big decisions

Stefan Welsh knows he needs to make a decision. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard/wide receiver from Woodside High School in Newport News, Va., is being recruited by high-majors in basketball and football and he said he will decide on what road he will take at the college level in the very near future. Amidst his decision, Welsh claimed his second state title.

The No. 58 ranked player in the class of 2006 has been the target for major basketball programs since last season at Woodside and over the summer. This season his football skills has brought on some of the biggest names of college football.

"I just got this big packet from Oklahoma and I was like, 'Wow.' They are all coming at me now," Welsh said.

The Sooners are one of the many packets coming in the mail. Welsh said he needs to figure out what direction he'll go at the next level.

"I want to figure out what I'm going to do with my future. I'm going to listen to what everyone has to say, weigh everything out and then make some decisions," Welsh said.

Some of the decisions he'll be making is where to officially visit. He already has an idea of where he'll take visit number one.

"I'll probably take two or three visits this spring when I don't have any tournaments to get a feel for what some of these schools are," Welsh said. "I want to schedule a visit with Xavier first."

The Musketeers have made a strong impression with the charismatic youngster. The Atlantic 10 school has been out to see Welsh this season and he said they have made him priority number one. Several other schools are increasing their interest level, too. Miami is one of those programs.

"Coach (Frank) Haith is real cool," Welsh said. "He came up to see me play. I like what they are doing down there."

Welsh said the Musketeers and Hurricanes are his top two choices in basketball. However, the thought of playing big-time football is still an option. He said that he should have a decision made soon about what direction he will choose to go.

"I should know something in the next two to three weeks," Welsh said. "I'm pretty sure it's going to be basketball. I'm not exactly 100 percent sure just yet but I know Xavier doesn't have a football program there."

While Welsh may have tipped his hand to who the clear cut favorite is, he's not writing anybody, or any sport for that matter, off just yet. He said Illinois is starting to get involved along with Virginia and many others.

College recruiters love the junior's scoring ability and good touch from the wing but they also love his winning attitude. Welsh helped his Woodside team claim their second straight state championship this year. Welsh said the second championship was a tougher task this season.

"I think it was harder winning the first one," Welsh said. "I don't think people knew what to expect. This year where had everybody's best game. That is what we faced all year long. It wasn't easy."

Welsh will continue his winning ways on the AAU circuit with Boo William Summer League team. The Hampton, Va. based team is loaded talent, with Welsh, Vernon Macklin, Duke Crews, Scott Reynolds, Eric Hayes, L.D. Williams and others. The team will kick off their season at their own tournament on April 8-10. Rivals.com will be on hand to cover the loaded event.