Maldonado high on SEC program

Hollywood (Fla.) Hollywood Hills offensive guard Jared Maldonado said his recruitment has picked up during his senior season, but that one school is in regular contact more than any other.

"Really I have been talking to a coach from Mississippi State and I like them a lot," Maldonado said. "He has just asked me to send in some film. So I have been talking to him a lot, I have been e-mailing and talking to him on the phone about once a week."

The 6-foot-3, 280-pound lineman has added an offer from Dan Mullen's team. They join a short list of schools that are amongst his leaders at this point.

"They have offered me," Maldonado said. "Maryland, FIU, Bethune, West Virginia, and Florida State are the main other ones (that are showing interest)."

So far this year, Maldonado has yet to hit the road to check out any schools. He does know of a few destinations that he is interested in checking out before making a decision.

"I was going to go (to Mississippi State) on my bye week but it passed earlier in the season. I am working it out with the coach from Mississippi State so I can go up there before the season ends," Maldonado said. "I also know I want to visit Maryland and probably West Virginia, because my coach was telling me that they wanted to talk to me."

While he will likely check out a number of schools, he admits that the Bulldogs have moved to the top of his list.

"So far it is probably Mississippi State," Maldonado said. "They run the ball a lot and we run the wing-t. I also want to compete at the SEC level because I know I could. That really draws me to them. I have been watching them since they got in contact with me and I like them a lot."

The three-star lineman, who is already qualified after making a 1250 on the SAT and a 21 on the ACT, said a decision likely won't come until after his visits have concluded.

"I will probably wait until after my visits or maybe wait until Signing Day," Maldonado said.

In addition to the schools mentioned by Maldonado, Kent State has also offered.