Jurkovic makes a move
Offensive lineman Mirko Jurkovic Jr. started his prep career at St. Joseph High School in South Bend, Ind., but plans to finish it at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
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"I moved in two weeks ago in Bradenton," Jurkovic reported. "Being down here I will be able to train with the same guys that people in the NFL train with. The weight training and the nutrition I get here is second to none. This place is run like a college, so it will prepare me for college."
The 6-foot-5, 276-pound Jurkovic picked up his first offer back in December from the Purdue Boilermakers.
"I have been on a few visits there and I keep in contact with coach (Jim) Bridge, who is the o-line coach there, and I keep in contact with coach (Greg) Hudson," Jurkovic said. "I talk to them almost every day. I have a really good relationship with all the coaches."
The Purdue offer has since been joined by offers from Toledo and Western Michigan. Other schools are showing significant interest as well.
"I am talking to Florida and Notre Dame right now," Jurkovic said. "Florida is showing a good amount of interest, as well as Notre Dame. I visit Florida Feb. 22 and Notre Dame March 1, so we'll see what comes out of that."
Jurkovic's father was an All-American lineman for Notre Dame in the late 80's and early 90's, so the connections with the Irish are strong.
"It is very special because it is one of the programs I've liked my whole life and one of the biggest powerhouses in the country," Jurkovic said of Notre Dame.
The interest from the Gators only started after Jurkovic moved down to IMG Academy in January.
"Within a week of when I got down here they came to practice," Jurkovic said. "I talked with coach (Brian) White from there for awhile and set up a visit. He was saying he really liked me and wants me to meet the new o-line coach.
"I have never been to that campus, so I just want to check out the facilities and really want to meet all the coaches from Florida."
Jurkovic plans to finish out his high school career at IMG Academy and potentially could be an early enrollee in college.
Josh Helmholdt is the Midwest Region football recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.
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