2008 Texas DE has three leaders

Quite a few schools have been in touch with Mesquite (Texas) Horn junior defensive end Donyea Hamilton. Programs from the Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-10 and ACC are showing interest, does the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder have any early favorites?

"Recruiting is going good," he said. "I've got about seven or eight schools that are contacting me including Oklahoma State, Florida State, Notre Dame, Indiana, Purdue, North Carolina, Stanford and Texas A&M.

"I'd say my top three are probably Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Florida State, and North Carolina. Basically they are talking to me the most. I like Notre Dame because they are a terrific program and have great academics. I went on an unofficial to Oklahoma State and felt very comfortable. North Carolina continues to show interest and FSU has a good program and coach Bowden is a great coach."

Hamilton went on to discuss his unofficial earlier this year to Stillwater.

"I went to the Oklahoma game and I loved it," he said. "Even though they lost it was a close game and I think the coaches are doing an excellent job with that team."

With such a wide variety of schools showing interest, what is the 2008 prospect looking for out of a school?

"The big thing for me is academics and a program I can get along with and feel comfortable at," he said. "I'd like to probably get early playing time, but location doesn't matter to me at all."

Hamilton was the bright spot on a tough 1-9 season for Horn.

"I did well recording 80 tackles and four sacks," he said. "We didn't really capitalize as a team since we were really young, but I can say I saw an improvement this year. I was much quicker and my strength especially in my legs was better."

Hamilton plans to participate in the U.S. Army All-American combine in San Antonio next month.