Love has a leader

Clearwater (Fla.) Countryside three-star defensive end Mike Love has narrowed his list of interested schools to a top five.

"I did narrow it down to UCF, USF, FIU, Nebraska, and West Virginia," Love said. "USF hasn't offered me yet. They are in my top five though. Hopefully they will offer. All of the other schools have offered me and told me they want me."

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound prospect talked about what stands out about each school in his top five.

FIU: "When I went down there it was a great campus and the atmosphere was pretty good. I love the coaches and I got to see them practice which was really good. I just love seeing a practice and seeing how I would fit in. They also have a really good academic school. I really like that school."

Nebraska: "I haven't been there but the coaches talk to me a lot and I like what they have to say. One of my friends is up there, Tyler Moore, he is up there and he tells us about it. I feel like I would have a little help if I ended up there. They want me to get up there."

UCF: "I am planning to go there on July 20th to see the campus for the first time. It should be really great because I have heard a lot of things about it and the coaches have told me a lot of things. I just can't wait to see it for myself. I like Coach (Kirk) Callahan and Coach Blaise (Winter), so I think I would feel comfortable there too."

USF: "I have been to two of their camps and I like the coaches. I have seen what they are doing and I like it. They are obviously on the rise with both academics and football. I just feel comfortable there."

West Virginia: "I talk to the defensive line coach and he tells me a lot of stuff. I have built a good relationship with him. It is just a great school. If I can't get a great Florida school then I will be interested in going up there."

Love admits that location will play a factor in his ultimate decision.

"I would rather stay in Florida," Love said. "I am kind of a hometown boy. I am not really interest in going out-of-state because I think I would get homesick pretty quickly. I would prefer to stay close."

At this time, an in-state school is at the top of his list.

"Right now I would have to say UCF," Love said. "Coach Blaise (Winter), the defensive line coach came to my practice and watched the whole practice. He came to my scrimmage and watched it. He told me everything I need to work on. I just feel I can have a good relationship with my position coach. I just feel comfortable with the coaches and everything they tell me. I think it will be an even stronger feeling after I go up there and see the campus and learn everything about them."

With regards to making a decision, Love intends to heed the advice of his coach and take his time.

"I got some advice from my coach today as he was saying that signing day isn't until February," Love said. "He gave me great advice about it because I was going to commit soon to a school but he told me to take more visits and take my time. I think I am just going to commit after the season."

Love has previously visited Florida, Florida International, Miami, and South Florida. Love's only planned upcoming visit is to UCF.