Florida duo starting early

The well has certainly not run dry at Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland High School. After top 2006 prospect Tony Wilson signed with Georgia, several other big names will be popping up soon.

It is the 2008 class that is igniting most of the talk. Two prospects on different sides of the ball in wide receiver Antonio Bell and defensive back John Theodore, are definitely ones to watch for in next year's recruiting class. Even after a tough spring scrimmage loss to Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades Central Thursday night, the two juniors-to-be were looking forward to the fall and beyond.

"We just learned that we have to pick up our speed and our offense has to pick it up as well," said Theodore, who shares time at both corner and safety. "We worked hard on defense, but we came up short too. We've got to be ready to play come fall."

Theodore, standing at around 6-foot, 170 pounds, definitely looks the part. After nearly intercepting a few passes, it's obvious that he has natural ability for the next level.

Receiver Bell is definitely passing the early eyeball test. At 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, the talented Florida product is a big target out there in the offense for Mainland. Like Wilson, he'll draw several looks from schools in and around the Southeast.

In fact, the mail started way before his sophomore season.

"I've been getting mail here and there since I was a freshman," Bell said. "The main schools that have sent me stuff have been Miami and Duke."

Even though it's very early in the process, the talented Mainland pass-catcher says that Miami, Alabama, and Georgia are three schools he's got high on his list.

"It's SEC and ACC competition," Bell said. "Those are the best conferences and I want to get on that big level. I want to play on that type of stage."

Wilson will not just leave Mainland as a star recruit. He also did a lot for both players.

Defender Theodore was one of the young up-and-comers who challenged Wilson during practice and constantly wanted to go head-to-head with the top flight receiver. As for Bell, the two players definitely learned a lot from each other.

The younger receiver also gathered a little advice before Wilson left for his days as a Bulldog.

"Tony just told me to stay positive and everything else will come in time," Bell said. "Whether it's recruiting or on the field, I know that being positive is a big key."