Florida RB loaded with offers

Mike Blakely is an exciting running back prospect from Bradenton Manatee High School in the Sunshine State. Blakely led his team to a state title appearance this past season after rushing for over 1,400 yards. He's also a threat in the passing game, where he had 327 receiving yards. In all he had 22 total touchdowns in 2009.

Blakely, 5-9 and 194 pounds, has had a busy off-season, fielding a ton of new scholarship offers from teams like Syracuse, Clemson, Florida, USF, Iowa, Iowa State, Miami, Michigan, Marshall, Purdue, South Carolina and West Virginia.

"Man, I never thought it would be like this," Blakely said. "Clemson was my first offer and Michigan was my most recent. I think I was most surprised by Florida. They offered me about two weeks ago.

"I am pretty open with everyone but my top choices right now are Florida, Clemson, Miami and South Carolina."

Blakely spent last weekend in Gainesville for a Florida junior day. He was impressed with what he saw in the Gators.

"It was a lot of fun. I saw the campus and had a chance to look around. I talked with most of the coaches and had a chance to kick it with the coaches.

"My plan is to go to some camps this summer and see some schools that I know I like. Ace (Sanders) and Brion (Carnes) basically told me if I make an early decision to make sure it's for sure. If not, they said to make all my visits."