Futch has new offer, leader

Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna linebacker Jordan Futch picked up his first offer from a major in-state program when Miami stepped forward with a scholarship for the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder.

The Hurricanes join Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and others in offering Futch, who was impressive at Sunday's NIKE Camp.

"It was invigorating," he said. "It was great. It was one that was to be expected and it felt great. (Miami head coach) Randy Shannon had seen my film and said he thought it was very good. (Hurricanes linebackers coach) Michael Barrow personally sent me a text and I called him back and he said I had an offer to the University of Miami."

The offer gives Futch a new favorite.

"I'd say it puts (Miami) at No. 1, but I am still keeping my options open right now," he said.

Another in-state power, Florida State, has been in touch with Futch, who runs a 4.58-second 40-yard dash.

"I talked to coach John Lilly at Florida State the other day," Futch said. "He said they would be in contact and (Seminoles linebackers coach) Chuck Amato would be in contact."

"One of the other prospects said (Florida assistant) coach John Holliday said that they wanted to offer me and that they are real interested."

Prior to receiving the offer from the Canes, Futch said that the Gamecocks and Vols stood out because they were recruiting him the hardest.

"I think those are great schools also," he said. "South Carolina coach Robert Gillespie is recruiting me. They have a great school. Coach Steve Spurrier is an awesome coach. I know someone that played at Tennessee and he talks to me about them all the time. They are a great program."

Futch plans to take several unofficial visits during the coming months.

"I'm going to Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Georgia Tech," he said. "I'm sure I am going to go up to Florida and of course, Miami."