Georgia LB lands first offer

Dareon Mays is a talented linebacker prospect from McDonough (Ga.) Union Grove High School. Today, he received his first scholarship offer.

"UAB was my first offer and that's a big weight off my shoulders," Mays said. "For a minute there I was getting a little worried but all along I thought I would get an offer.

"But I am very happy to get the first one from UAB. My coach (Steve Collins) called me out of class and I came down to his office. I really don't know too much at this time about UAB but coach Collins told me some good things. He said they are a good program and they are a good fit for me. It's close to home, for a minute I was a little worried but then again I knew it was coming."

Mays may only have one offer but other schools are recruiting him and showing interest.

"I talked with South Carolina today. They said they were impressed with my film and that they liked me. They will come back to see me in the spring. I also talked with Oklahoma today. Troy, West Virginia, Auburn, Oklahoma State, and some other schools are recruiting me and they are supposed to come by this spring as well."

So does UAB have the advantage here or will Mays wait and see what happens with some other schools.

"Right now I am open. I am not really worried about playing time. I know anywhere I go I know I will likely be red-shirted. I want to find a schools where I can bond with the coaches and I want to pick a school where there is a good relationship between the coaches and players. Then my parents have to approve."

Mays, 6-0 and 220 pounds, could end up playing weak-side or middle linebacker at the next level. For Mays it really doesn't matter as long as he sees the field.

"Some schools want me on the inside and some like me as a weak-side. It really doesn't matter to me. As a linebacker I am a down hill guys that runs to the ball. I am a hard hitter and can shift my way through gaps. I'm also aggressive out there."

So far Mays has been to FSU, Alabama, UCF, Auburn, and Vanderbilt for junior days.