Lartey sets up his first two official visits

Scout.com's #48 nationally ranked cornerback has seen his team get off to a 5-2 start, but more importantly, Banneker got their first signature victory of the season on Saturday.

"We beat Mays 18-14 Saturday," added Emmanuel Lartey. "They were ranked the #2 team in the state. It was a huge win for us. They are the highest ranked team we have beaten since I have been here."

Lartey has not seen many passes thrown his way this season, but he believes he has improved in two key areas.

"My speed and hands are much better this year. My technique and man to man coverage are a lot better. I use my feet and hands more this year."

Emmanuel holds 11 scholarship offers but five of those schools are recruiting him the hardest.

"The main schools right now for me are West Virginia, Louisville, Arkansas, Ole Miss and MSU. I have some more schools who have offered me like South Carolina and Akron who are still recruiting me pretty good too."

The 5' 11 1/2" cornerback set up his first two official visits last week.

"I am going to Ole Miss November 1st and Louisville November 22nd. I know I will visit Louisville for sure and probably West Virginia. I am still open for my fifth visit. I do not know who that one will go to yet."

The Rebels offered Lartey earlier this month, and they look to have an inside connection with the Banneker program.

"My coach's brother is Tracey Rocker. Coach Rocker is the defensive line coach at Ole Miss. Coach is always telling me good things about it over there, but I have never been over there before, so I am going to take my official visit to check things out. They also offered our running back, Alfred Moreland, too. We are going to take our visit together."

Louisville offers early playing time.

"Most of their starters are seniors. I met the guy who recruited me in the Spring, and he is a real cool coach."

Mississippi State continues to show Lartey a lot of love.

"I do not know much about MSU. I just want to check it out because their coaches are telling me that they really want me. That grabbed my attention."

West Virginia also offers early playing time.

"They said the same thing as Louisville. They said I could play early, and they like my size and style."

Arkansas is the only school who has scouted him this Fall.

"They came to a game of mine two weeks ago. If anyone else has been by; I do not know about it. I also know their DB coach real well, Coach Ward. I got to know him last year when he recruited my teammate, Alfred Davis. He signed with them."

When it does come decision time; one factor will stand out over the rest.

"I want to know if I will have to redshirt or not. That is what I am really looking at, playing time."