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football Edit

Houston school has talent

Northland Christian of Houston was a game away from a private school state championship season a year ago with the help of three prospects, who are getting looks by several Division I schools.
The small private school, which is wedged between area powers Westfield High School and Klein Forest High School, is fast becoming a popular spot for recruiters looking for a sleeper or three.
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"We've had more coaches in here this year than any," Northland recruiting coordinator Bill Moore said. "I think the state championship appearance and our three guys have something to do with it."
Quarterback Jeff Abt (6-foot-4, 185 pounds) is the headliner. Abt displaced J.P. Tillman with his play at quarterback as a sophomore. Tillman went on to star at Cypress Falls and sign at Missouri.
"We are trying to get some weight on him right now," Moore said. "Northwestern loves him but wants to see how he runs before offering. SMU and Stanford are looking at him closely as well."
Abt led an offense that averaged 384 yards per game, and threw for 977 yards last year.
College coaches have also been impressed with linebacker Garrett Van Dyke, who is coming in at a 6-2, 225-pound linebacker.
"I've been going over my choices with my dad," Van Dyke said. "It's down to TCU, SMU, Stanford, OSU and Missouri. The recruiting over the last couple of months has been a lot to take in. I just can't believe I'm really talking college right now."
While Van Dyke has yet to be officially offered, he could be the first of the bunch. He will be attending camps at SMU, TCU and Oklahoma State.
"He just has the physical tools," Moore said. "He also ran a 4.7 at the Nike combine, which was pretty impressive for his size."
The sleeper of the three is Scott Milburn, a 6-1, 280-pound defensive tackle. What's more impressive is his film.
"I put the film on and the coaches are blown away," Moore said about Milburn. "He's so explosive and has a tremendous motor. He dominates at this level and it comes out on film. Coaches love him."
Milburn is being text messaged and receiving handwritten letters from the likes of SMU and TCU and will also be attending mini camps this summer.
"I would commit early is I'm offered by the right school," Milburn said. "I think I will be even better this season because I will only be playing one way. I should have more energy and really dominate as a senior."
That domination should also translate into a state championship for Northland Christian.
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