Wittek has the Longhorns on his list, along with Louisville, TCU and Hawaii. He visited Austin over the weekend and told OrangeBloods.com that the program and coaches exceeded his expectations.

“Everything about my trip (to Texas) was awesome,” Wittek said. “From the coaches to the players, the school, the campus — it all probably exceeded what I thought it would be.”

He hasn’t settled on a new school, though. The California native said he wants to discuss his options with his family before making a decision.

He is familiar with Texas running backs coach Tommie Robinson, who coached the same position at USC. He also felt comfortable with quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson and offensive coordinator Joe Wickline.

“From the time I got to Austin on Saturday, Coach (Shawn) Watson and I were talking ball,” Wittek said. “A lot of the concepts they are talking about, I ran at Mater Dei (high school). So I already feel comfortable.”

Wittek was also impressed by new head coach Charlie Strong, who coached potential No. 1 NFL Draft pick, Teddy Bridgewater.


NKEMDICHE ARRESTED


Ole Miss linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche was arrested over the weekend, according to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.

Nkemdiche was charged with disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and failure to comply with a police officer. The incident took place an off-campus apartment Saturday night, which also happened to be the player’s 21st birthday. All three charges are misdemeanors.

Nkemdiche, a redshirt junior and the older brother of 2013’s No. 1 overall recruit, Robert Nkemdiche, is coming off a year in which he played through injuries. He managed only 35 tackles a year after collecting 82 tackles along with three interceptions, four forced fumbles and three sacks.

Linebacker Serderius Bryant was also arrested. He was cited for public drunkenness and disturbing the peace. Bryant led the Rebels with 78 tackles last year, including 12.5 for loss.

According to the Clarion-Ledger, that makes four arrests of Ole Miss football players this offseason. Cornerback Bobby Hill was charged with sexual battery in January and defensive end Channing Ward pleaded guilty last week to a DUI charge.


HART ARRESTED, OFF TEAM


Alabama reserve running back Dee Hart was arrested Sunday and charged with marijuana possession and giving false information, the Tuscaloosa News reported. He was released from jail after posting a $1,300 bond.

Hart, a former five-star recruit whose career has been sidetracked by injuries, hasn’t been with the Alabama program since the Sugar Bowl, the school said. Since coming to Alabama, Hart has sustained two torn ACLs and has not started a game.

“Hopefully he will learn from this mistake and continue to work toward completing his degree, which he’s on track to do by the summer,” the statement read.

It is the second arrest for an Alabama football player in the last two months.

Freshman defensive back Tony Brown was arrested Jan. 19 for failure to obey and resisting arrest.


ECU PLAYER’S CONDITION IMPROVING SINCE ACCIDENT


East Carolina says a football player hospitalized since being involved in an automobile accident last week has been upgraded to good condition.

Team spokesman Tom McClellan disclosed the status upgrade for defensive end Terrell Stanley on Monday.

He had been in critical condition at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville since the accident Feb. 12 on U.S. Route 264 Alternate.

Coach Ruffin McNeill says Stanley "is a warrior with a relentless and passionate approach to life."

Stanley was driving and teammate Isaac Harris was the passenger when their car was involved in a single-car crash. Harris was treated and released later that day.

Stanley is a rising junior who started 12 games last season and had 46 tackles. Harris also started 12 games on the offensive line.

Contributors: Rana L. Cash, The Associated Press