Demien blowing up

When you're hot, you're hot.

That's the case for Wentzville (Mo.) Timberland offensive tackle Nick Demien. The 6-foot-6, 295-pound all-area selection was already well thought of as one of the best players in Missouri, but now coaches nationally have come calling.

"Florida State offered Nick today," Timberland coach Craig Collins said. "That gives him seven offers – Mizzou, Kansas, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Florida State and Arkansas."

All of the attention is well deserved if you ask Collins.

"I've had an opportunity to be around some good players in my coaching career, but few are as hard working, well-rounded and athletic as Nick," Collins said. "(Four-star running back) Montee Ball had a great career here, and a lot of times he ran right behind Nick. Everybody in the stadium knew we were going to run that way, but nobody could stop us because of Nick opening up big holes."

While Ball ended up one of the most heavily recruited players in the Heartland in 2009, it looks like Demien is well on his way to becoming a highly-coveted target, too.

"His recruiting has really blown up," Collins said. "I think people are seeing everything he brings to the table and he become a guy you have to have."