CT defensive back favors UConn

Junior To Watch: Mark Lines

School: South Windsor, Conn.

Position: Cornerback and wide receiver

Size and speed: Lines is 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds.

Honors: As a sophomore Lines was named all-state at defensive back in the highest level of competition in Connecticut. As a junior he was named all-conference as both a wide receiver and defensive back.

Statistics: Lines intercepted 10 passes as a sophomore. As a junior Lines made 38 tackles with five interceptions. At receiver he caught 39 passes for 649 yards and eight touchdowns.

Favorite schools: UConn, Maryland, Iowa, Colorado, Syracuse, Boston College

Skinny: While the state of Connecticut isn't widely known for putting out a lot of talented recruits each year, there are some players that many big-time schools are after annually. Mark Linesis one of those receiving some attention from major Division 1-A programs. He already has a solid idea of who he likes.

"I think UConn is a place where I could grow as a player and excel in the classroom at the same time," said Lines, whose father played for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. "I like (UConn's) facilities and the all-around attitude at the program.

"I like Maryland's campus a lot. A lot of people just look at them now and see that they're just starting to get good again, but I appreciate the tradition that they have. They've had a great program historically.

"The same goes for Boston College and Syracuse. So I guess you could say I definitely have a respect for the past and what it would mean to wear a uniform that earlier great players wore. All those schools are close to home, which is nice.

"Iowa and Colorado aren't close to home, but I really think they're good schools. They have very solid football programs that stick out a lot. They're two of the nation's top programs. I'm not sure I have a favorite out of any of those schools. I'm just trying to keep all my options open at this point in the process."

Lines is best suited to play defensive back at the next level, he believes, because that's where he's feels the most comfortable. He has a knack for picking off passes and can shut down very talented receivers. He has heard from all the schools he listed as his leaders, plus Nebraska, Notre Dame, Stanford and others.

"This summer I'm going to a lot of camps," he said. "I'll be going to camps at Maryland, UConn, Syracuse, Northeastern and New Hampshire. I've already taken an unofficial visit to UConn and in April I'll be visiting Iowa, Maryland, Boston College and Syracuse. I'm getting a jump on things. Those are just the visits I've planned, and I'm sure there will be more to come in the future."