Is Geathers FSU bound

You gotta love the Internet. A rumor hits and it spreads like wildfire causing numerous writers to inundate coach and player alike with phone calls. The latest is that Carvers Bay, S.C. offensive tackle Clifton Geathers was ready to commit to Florida State by the weekend. So is there any truth to the rumor? Rivals.com called Carver's Bay head coach Nate Thompson to find out the truth.

"No, there's no truth to that," he said with a laugh. "Clifton and his family plan on talking things over this week and then narrowing down to 10 schools and then 5. I'm not sure of the timeframe for that, but he hasn't set up any official visits or anything, you got that from me.

"He'll be at the Shrine Bowl in a couple of weeks and I'm not sure if he'll be ready to get down to five by then," he said. "The family wants to be smart about this and take their time."

Had he heard the Florida State rumors?

"I've heard them all," he said. "There were rumors about Clemson before that. I can tell you that he hasn't committed and has no idea where he wants to go just yet. Florida State is one of the schools he's looking at, but I honestly don't even know if they'll make his top 5. He's that wide open."

FSU, Clemson, South Carolina, Florida, Southern Cal, Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and others are all in the mix for Geathers. Geathers uncle is former NFL standout Jumpy Geathers and his brother Robert Jr. plays for the Cincinnati Bengals and attended Georgia. Father Robert Sr. also played in the NFL.

Many schools feel comfortable in this race, but is there any sort of leader?

"No, not that I'm aware of," he said. "Obviously he'll take a long look at the two in-state schools and schools closer by, but until he starts setting visits and narrows things down, I don't know. His plan all along was to focus on the season and now that it's over he can start to do that."

Geathers plans to make his decision on Signing Day. He is a big focus for Florida State based on their need along the offensive line, but early playing time doesn't seem to be a factor.

"He's just looking for a place where he fits and feels comfortable." Thompson said.

Thompson said to keep an eye on a 2007 prospect on his team as well.

"We have a running back who is a very good one," said Thompson. "Malcolm Elder is his name and he's about 5-7 and 170 pounds. He ran for 2,400 yards and 28 touchdowns this season and once coaches see him they'll be interested."

And don't forget Clifton's "little" brother Kwame, who is a 6-foot-4, 315-pound freshman in high school.

"He's the next one to watch," Thompson said. "He's just so developed for a younger kid."