Byrd has four offers, but major interest

Dade City (Fla.) Pasco athlete Jamie Byrd is a talented 6-foot, 180-pound strong safety. His ability on the field has earned him four offers and he is drawing interest from a couple other programs, including one of the nation's best.

"Western Michigan, Purdue, Iowa State, and Florida Atlantic have offered me," Byrd said. "Boise State and Middle Tennessee are showing me interest. Those are the main ones."

At this point, the two-star prospect has yet to hit the road.

"I haven't taken visits yet," Byrd said. "I am going to take them after our high school season is over. We start the playoffs on Friday and we think we are going to go pretty far."

When he does begin to take visits, he knows two destinations that are definitely going to be on the agenda.

"I know I want to visit Boise State and Purdue," Byrd said. "Definitely those two."

He talked a bit about the Broncos and the Boilermakers.

"Boise State is a big program and they are winning a lot of games," Byrd said. "They have a good football program going on there. I deal with Coach (Julius) Brown the most. He tells me they want me because the position that I am playing right now is what they want me for and I would basically be able to fit right in because they want someone to play a safety/linebacker role and that is what I want to play in college."

"Purdue has good academic programs, it is a good school for education," Byrd said. "They also have a big program for football. I am talking with Coach (Lou) Anarumo and Coach (Shawn) Clark. We haven't talked much lately, but they have just told me I am a great player."

When it comes time to decide, Byrd is just looking for the right opportunity that fits what he wants in a college.

"I want a school that I fit in," Byrd said. "I want to get on the field early, but if I need to redshirt then I will. I want a school where I am going to play some good football."

Byrd has contributed on both sides of the ball this season for Pasco, helping to lead them to an undefeated regular season. They will open in the playoffs against St. Petersburg (Fla.) Lakewood on Friday evening.