Knoxville LB getting looks

Knoxville (Tenn.) Catholic High School has blitzed out of the gates to a 6-0 start to its 2007 season. A big part of that start has been its blitzing senior linebacker, Dustin Tait. Tait is the defensive leader for the Fighting Irish who are giving up less than 10 points per game. Now his play is starting to win him more than just games but interest from some notable division I programs.

"I just sent some of my senior film out to some schools that had requested it," Tait said. "Right now the schools that are talking to me the most are Cincinnati, Alabama, Purdue and Colorado. I haven't been offered yet but I think Buffalo is planning on offering me soon. That would be my first."

At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Tait is quick to the ball and productive shooting gaps as a linebacker. However with his strength, he could also play fullback at the next level. He squats 430 pounds, benches 340 and cleans 270 pounds.

"I'd like to play either linebacker or fullback," Tait said. "Distance isn't a factor at all. But I'd say the biggest thing is just how I fit in at that school and with the coaches."

Tait has a good football pedigree as well. His brother, Zak Tait is one of the top junior prospects in Tennessee as an offensive guard. His father also played football at Syracuse and in the NFL.

Tait, who describes himself as a "mean, physical presence" will continue to spearhead Knoxville Catholic's hard-nosed attack, a mentality that he fits him very well.