Florida DT names top five

Three-star Miami (Fla.) Edison defensive tackle Richard Clebert says he’s formed a top five as his recruitment moves into mid-season.

“Right now my top five is Miami, Ohio State, LSU, Rutgers and South Florida,” he said. “I have offers from all five of them now, and they’re pretty close to being equal. I’d give the first three a slight edge, though, because of their tradition.

“I like Miami because it’s right here at home and they’re as good as anyone every year. It’s hard to beat them. Ohio State is the national champs and they always put out a bunch of great players. LSU is a real strong program that might win a championship soon. I like their stadium and fans, too.

“Rutgers and South Florida are on there because the way they’ve recruited me. They’ve gone after me real hard, and I like their coaches. Coach Cristobal at Rutgers is really cool. He really wants me up there bad. Another thing about those schools is I think I’d have a chance to play a lot early. I could do that anywhere if I worked hard enough, but those schools need a little bit more help than Miami or Ohio State or LSU.”

Clebert (6-1, 275, 4.93) also has offers from Florida, Kansas State and Nebraska, among others. He’s rated the No. 41 defensive tackle in the nation. As a senior, he’s helped lead Killian to the No. 3 ranking in the Sunshine State, picking up seven sacks along the way.

He says he’ll wait until the season is wrapped up to take any official visits.

Academically, he carries a 2.6 GPA and a 16 on the ACT.