FB/LB attracts Jackets, Orangemen

Junior to Watch: Drew Steinmetz

School: Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian

Position: Fullback/Inside Linebacker

Size and speed: Steinmetz is 6-foot-2, weighs 233 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds.

Statistics: As a junior, he rushed for more than 700 yards and seven touchdowns for the Florida Class A state champions.

Favorite Schools: Florida, Florida State, LSU, Syracuse, Boston College, Central Florida, South Florida.

Skinny: Drew Steinmetz helped form a dangerous 1-2 punch along with Lamar Lewis for Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian last season as the Conquerors rolled past opponents en route to a Class A state championship.

Steinmetz plays the fullback spot in the Wing-T attack, and his coach envisions him as a potential star at the next level.

“He puts up some pretty nice stats for us in our Wing-T, but I think if you put him blocking in front of a big-time tailback in college, that’s where I think he could really be great,” Trinity Christian coach Verlon Dorminey said. “He’s an incredibly strong kid, great lower body strength and leg drive. He’s a tough kid, exactly what you’re looking for in a fullback.

“I was talking to Georgia Tech about him yesterday, and they’re really looking for a fullback in his mold. I also talked to LSU and Syracuse today, so he’s getting some pretty good attention right now.”

Dorminey said Steinmetz also has the feet to excel as an inside linebacker or perhaps a defensive end in some schemes.

“Drew’s got the frame where he could easily bulk up to 245, 250 pounds,” he said. “I could see him playing with his hand down someday and being an extremely quick defensive end if that’s the direction some school wanted to go with him. His size, speed and strength make him pretty versatile.”

Steinmetz is also receiving interest from Central Florida, South Florida and Louisville.

“I think if he has a great senior season, he could get a lot more attention,” Dorminey said. “It’s still pretty early with him. Not as many people know about him as Lamar, but several people ask about Drew after they see film.”