Hollywood Hills lineman has first offer

Hollywood (Fla.) Hollywood Hills may have lost some important pieces from its 2009 team that included four FBS signees. However in its attempt to continue to build on last year's 6-5 season, the Spartans can feel comfortable in knowing that their starting left tackle will be back to anchor the line. Jared Maldonado will be one of the senior leaders for Hollywood Hills in 2010.

"We just lost a lot of seniors and it feels good to be able to step up as a leader," Maldonado said. "I know I've gotta be there for my team. I am stepping up because we're trying to win a district championship."

A left tackle for Hollywood Hills, Maldonado projects at guard on the college level and he has numerous colleges interested. In fact, this spring has practically been a meet and greet for Maldonado with college coaches visiting daily.

"I've been talking to a few coaches before spring but I talk to at least two coaches a day in spring," he said. "Kentucky came yesterday. I took two junior day visits to Florida and Flordia State. Coach Gran said they wanted to offer me when I get to camp. They want me to snap or play guard. Ole mIss is very interested too."

While several schools have shown interest, Maryland has actually extended an offer to Maldonado.

"I was excited because our defensive end Clarence Murphy is going there," he said of the offer. "So it's always good getting an offer from someone you look up to. He plays D-Line and he's going to Maryland next so it's exciting."

Another former teammate, Tony Grimes, signed with Ole Miss and that is another school that Maldonado has a mutual interest in, even if an offer has yet to arrive.

"One of my big role models is Tony Grimes who went to my school and he went to Ole Miss and they produce a lot of linemen that play in the NFL and I like the SEC," he said. "But wherever I can get an offer from where I can play and fit in, that's where I'm going to go."

Though Maldonado plays tackle in high school and projects as a guard in college, he may want to add even more position to his resume.

"Coach Gran from FSU said he likes the way I pull and says that I'm fast and can get out there quick and get on somebody," he said. "He said he'd like me to play guard and even learn how to snap and even be a backup center. I want to learn how to be a better lineman. Why be limited to one position when you can play the whole line?"