Early decision likely for Hearns

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Junior linebacker James Hearns is set to begin his senior season next weekend when the defending state champions, Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln, travel to face Pensacola (Fla.). Leading up to that opening kickoff, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound outside linebacker has been giving his recruitment, and a possible decision, a lot of thought.

"I have just been kind of doing a lot of thinking about it a lot lately," Hearns said. "I am trying to come close to a decision. I haven't made a top (list) yet, I kind of want to make a top, and then think about it some more and then commit."

Historically, Lincoln prospects tend to wait until National Signing Day to announce their intentions, but Hearns said that likely won't be the case for him.

"It is just the fact of trying to humble yourself and getting that stuff out of the way so you can focus on school and the actual team," Hearns said of plans to make an early decision. "It is just something that you kind of want to get out of the way because you know what you want to do and you know this is what you want."

With already holding double-digit offers, Hearns has plenty of options. He gave a brief synopsis of a few of the top schools for him at this point in his recruitment.

"Yeah I know some schools that will be in my top are Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, USF, Florida, FSU, and Miami," Hearns said. "I am still giving it some thought."

At this time, Hearns claims no leader. He shared how he will sort through his options and ultimately work towards finding the right one for him to call his future home.

"What I am really trying to do is to wait until September when they can start calling me and just see who is really after me," Hearns said.

"Just how they are recruiting me and where I stand on their board," Hearns added. "A family-oriented team and a good campus life."

Hearns said he plans to take a few visits to games this upcoming season at different schools. He mentioned plans to see games at Florida, Florida State, Georgia, and South Florida. The only specific games he said he expects to attend are at Florida State when the Seminoles host Oklahoma and Miami this upcoming season.