Lots of attention for Florida center
Things are up in the air with regards to the recruitment of Jacksonville (Fla.) The Bolles School center Chance Raines, but one thing is certain: he's getting plenty of attention.
"Things are going pretty good," the 6-foot-2, 268-pound Raines said. "I've gone on a couple of unofficial visits to UCF, USF, South Carolina and Miami (Fla.).
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"Miami and FSU have started recruiting me a little bit. I've been talking to (Florida State offensive line coach Mark McHale and (Miami offensive line coach Clint Hurtt."
"I text message with both of them on occasion. Miami is pretty interested. They are looking for a center. The one they've got right now is a senior."
Hurtt calls Raines every Wednesday.
Other programs have offered.
"TCU has offered. Navy has offered," Raines said. "Middle Tennessee, USF, UCF, Western Michigan and a couple of more have as well."
Coaches from TCU call every Monday while Raines receives contact from a South Florida staff member on Tuesdays.
A Big 12 North program also has shown some interest.
"I've been talking to Missouri," he said. "I have to get them a highlight film. They are sending me a lot of letters and stuff, like schedules with messages, "Would you like to be a Tiger?" and things like that. Missouri has a good spread offense, no huddle. I like the way they run that up there.
"I also get stuff from West Virginia and South Carolina, but it's just like bulk mail."
Monday TCU, Tuesday USF and usually coach Hurtt calls on Wednesday.
If Miami or Florida State comes through with a scholarship offer, Raines' recruitment could end quickly.
"I would like to say so, but I would have to sit down with my family of course," he said. "They are both having down years, but just a couple of fixes here and there and they'll be right back at the top. It would be great to play for one of those colleges and they are great schools, too."
The Horned Frogs, Bulls and Middle Tennessee State also have Raines' attention.
"TCU I like, USF I like," he said. "USF is really close to home and it was kind of a "we love you" environment. I felt really welcome there.
"(Middle Tennessee State assistant coach Justin Watts came down for the Ribault game to watch me play."
Raines is a two-star rated prospect.