Plant City's Lowe heading to Wake?

In recent weeks, a few internet reports have said that Plant City linebacker/running back Duran Lowe has given Wake Forest a "soft verbal" committment.

The term "soft verbal" is one of the most ambiguous terms in recruiting -- made a long time ago by recruit-niks long before this blog's birth. I'm still trying to figure out its true meaning, much like Cotey's newfound Twitter fascination. To some, the soft verbal means a kid is committed but will still take his official visits. To others, it means the kid is committed to the school for now until a better offer comes along. And to some, it's simply just that that school is a heavy favorite. On Wake Forest internet sites, they're including Lowe's committment along with the definitive "Yes, I am going to your school" solid committments.

Considering the fact that a "solid" committment actually means very little because it is non-binding until  a player signs his letter of intent in february, a soft verbal is even more cloudy.

After speaking with Lowe Tuesday evening, here's his situation:

He currently has four offers (Wake, USF, FAU and Central Michigan) and he has told the Demon Deacons, who are recruiting him to play strong safety, that they are his current favorite. He plans to make Wake his first official visit.

But he said would also like to stay close to home, and he list Florida and Florida State among his top schools as well. Both have shown interest and if an offer arrives at his doorstep, he might stay in state.

Then there's the very legitimate concern of a teenager about to make the biggest decision of his life. He wants to see Wake before he gives them his absolute word.

"I've never been to North Carolina," Lowe said. "It looks nice on the computer, but I really don't know what it's like. I want to wait it out until I take my visit to Wake. If I really like my visit, I could commit right then and there."

The Deacs have made a significant impact this year in Hillsborough County. Lowe's Plant City teammate Denzel Drone told the Times last week that Wake was his favorite (he is awaiting an offer) and Hillsborough running back Lindsey Lamar said Monday that Wake is on top of his list.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA