Pead says the Buckeyes lead solidly over West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland and Pittsburgh. The Illini also have not offered.

"I've gone to almost all of Ohio State's home games this year," Pead said. "I love the coaches there and I hang out with the players a lot. They are only like 15 minutes from here, so everybody follows the Buckeyes. It's like a dream to be able to play for them. I've always wanted to go there.

"I don't really talk to the coaches much though," he admitted. "I'm friends with (senior fullback) Dionte Johnson and he keeps me posted about what's going on with them. He says he talks to the coaches about me. I think they just want me to get my ACT and grades up.

"I do talk to the Illinois coaches a lot and think they may be close to offering," he said. "I like the campus a lot and it's an up-and-coming team. They run a good offense and I like their play calling. They like to mix it up and take chances."

Although it isn't an official visit, Pead will be attending the West Virginia/Pittsburgh game on Dec. 1. "I like the offensive schemes at West Virginia," he said. "They spread the ball around and use several running backs. They are having a great season and are showing a great team effort. It's not just one star on that team. They have a lot of great players."

Pead still hasn't scheduled any official visits yet. "I'm talking to the coaches about doing it now," he said. "We're trying to find some time that fits our schedule.

"I'm not going to decide until Signing Day," he said. "I want to take all of my visits and wait until the end. I'd like a nice location and to be in an area that fits me and where I'm comfortable. I'd like to stay somewhere close and go where there's things to do outside of football."

Pead finished his senior season (9-1) with 192 carries for 2,204 yards and 39 touchdowns. Defensively he had 35 tackles and six interceptions.

"I like offense more," he said. "I like having the ball in my hands. I have great awareness and on-field intelligence. I have great anticipation and am very elusive.

"I want to get bigger and be more physical. I want to push myself harder in the weight room."

He says that most schools are recruiting him for offense, but the Buckeyes and the Panthers have spoken about defense as well. Although Pead prefers offense, he's ranked as the No. 35 cornerback in the country by Scout.com.

He reports a 2.4 core GPA and a 16 ACT, which he is retaking on Dec. 8.