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Rutgers class of 2014 Ath offeree, Curtis Samuel

(Photo taken by Sean Fitz of 247Sports.com, used with permission)

Curtis Samuel, a five-star two-way athlete from Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn, N.Y.), is down to two – Rutgers and Ohio State – after sifting through upwards of 20 offers from around the country. The 6-0, 180-pound skill athlete/defensive back recently took visits to both schools, fully examining what each had to offer. The Buckeyes are perceived to have a commanding lead going down the stretch. However, Erasmus Hall assistant and Samuel's position coach, Ray Lizzi, tells NJ.com the Scarlet Knights still have a chance, however small.

"I think there is a small chance because of the relationship," said Lizzi. "If it comes down to a last minute thing where, 'Man, who am I gonna trust?' I think The trust factor has got to go to Rutgers because of how close they are in proximity, how early they offered, how early they were interested and how much of a relationship he has with them.

"His relationship with Rutgers and their staff is much greater than anybody else. It's just that Urban (Meyer) and those guys, playing for Urban was his dream. He grew up a Gator fan, Percy Harvin and that whole thing. So, that's why they are so attractive to him. But Rutgers definitely has a chance."

Samuel, himself, has been rather quiet over the past few months, deflecting much of his recruiting attention to two members of his coaching staff.

"Curt isn't big on talking to the media. He's so humble and he wishes that he could pass some of the glory onto his teammates, and that's refreshing... because most of these kids always want the limelight. But he doesn't need it, and that's a good thing. But it's more work for guys like me and (head) coach Danny Landberg," Lizzi said jokingly.

According to Lizzi, Samuel highly enjoyed his visit to Ohio State the weekend of July 26. But the Scarlet Knights also put forth a strong effort in following-up Samuel's trek to one of the top football programs in the entire country.

"The Rutgers visit was great," said Lizzi. "Every time we visit, coach Flood kicks the doors open for us. And I think coach Flood was the first person to offer him back when he was a sophomore. Curt loved the tour of the facilities there.

"There is a great familiarity with the staff, with the entire program and some of the players that are there," he continued. "There is a comfort zone there with Curtis and Rutgers, and that's the biggest reason why they are still in play. It's really coming down to Rutgers and Ohio State, right now. That's it."

There has been speculation that Samuel would travel to Ohio State this week to make his pledge. And although he could decide to make his decision soon, according to Lizzi, Samuel won't be visiting the Buckeyes any time this week.

"He's not going, coach Landberg is just going for the day," said Lizzi. "He's flying out today and coming back Friday because we've gotta get going. We are giving out equipment this weekend and he's got to get back to the program. He's just going to sit down with the coaching staff.

"We already know where they stand with Curt and where Curt stands with them. And there's a comfort level there. Now, we're just building a relationship, trying to get better as a staff, and getting on the board with them... watching film, seeing how their practice goes, stuff like that."

Lizzi expects Samuel to make a decision between Rutgers and Ohio State within the next couple weeks: "We expect him to commit soon, probably within a week or two."

Note: St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, N.J.) running back Jonathan Hilliman will make his collegiate decision today at 5 p.m. ET. He, like Samuel, will choose between The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

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