Chantilly's Pace Sees Interest Start to Grow
The secret is finally out to college coaches about Torrian Pace. Pace, a 5-foot-10 and 225-pound running back out of Chantilly had already become quite the household name in the Northern Virginia area. Already leading his team to a region championship in just his sophomore year, and then proceeding to gain 1,177 yards on just 110 carries in his junior campaign, Pace had become quite a familiar face in football circles. Now, however, it's the college coaches who are taking notice of Pace.
"Boston College, UVA, Vanderbilt, Duke, and Richmond are schools looking at me now," said Pace. "Because of my upcoming summer schedule, I will only be able to attend the BC, UVA, and Vanderbilt one-day camps for now. However, I will try to attend more one-day camps time permitting."
Despite Pace's impressive stats and team accomplishments over the past two years, he has yet to land an offer, but he noted that soon could change after attending BC's one-day camp.
"The Boston College offer is contingent based on how I do at their one day camp," said Pace. "Only BC has said something. Mainly everyone wants to see me in person before I move onto the next step."
Is there a school Pace favors at this point?
"I really can't tell you right now. When I go down for the one-day camps, I'll get a better look at the campuses and then assess to see what will be a fit for me," said Pace.
At 225 pounds and running a 4.6 forty-yard dash, Pace measures up to be quite a nice prospect. Yet maybe more impressive are his off the field accomplishments as he was recently voted in by his classmates as senior class vice president for the upcoming 2008-2009 school year. The role he takes as a leader for the entire Chantilly junior class is something he takes very seriously.
"Being a leader is a very important thing in life. I don't want to follow people, I want to be an example for others to follow while yet being unique," said Pace. "I always want more out of things in life."
Pace even mentioned that's one of the main things he is looking for in a school.
"A big question would be them having a strong [Student Government Association] program," said Pace. "The school also has to display good character while making you feel welcome as a prospective student. Having also the field or major of what I want to study as well is a big thing."
Right now, however, Pace is currently looking to improve his speed and athleticism. Despite recently posting top performances at several Nike combines this past spring, Pace maintains he still wants to get better.
"I still need to improve," said Pace. "I need to get a little faster and work on my running form."
Pace is one prospect whose recruitment could gain some serious momentum in the weeks to come, especially as he competes in the aforementioned one-day camps. The measurables are there, the stats are there, and so too are his off the field accomplishments and demeanor. Is Pace confident an offer will eventually come through?
"I'm hopeful and prayerful that the process will go smoothly," said Pace. "God will direct me and the recruiting process the way He wants it to go. It can be kind of demanding, but overall it's a fun experience and I just have to keep my head on right, stay focus, and be organized."
