THE LATEST: Hollywood (Fla.) South Broward High School athlete Akeem Hayes is bust scratching the surface of major college recruiting. The class-of-2018 prospect holds offers from Oregon State, North Carolina State, Marshall, Toledo Temple and others.

He’s hoping those options expand in the year ahead. And while his options will almost certainly grow, he doesn’t mind naming an early frontrunner.

Hayes hesitates not when asked which school leads the pack.

“North Carolina State right now,” he said. “I just know the program and like the program. I like the coaching staff. They show a lot of love.”

Then, there are the game-changers. One such program seems to be Louisville, which stands for something bigger than football in the mind of Hayes. Not only is he open to hearing from the Cardinals, he says turning down an offer might be difficult.

“I want Louisville them to come in for sure,” Hayes said. “That’s where I want to go. My mother was raised in Kentucky and she passed away. I’ve always liked Kentucky.”

IN HIS WORDS: “(N.C. State) shows so much interest. Coach George [Barlow] always hits me up and keeps me updated.”

RIVALS REACTION: Louisville’s allure is obviously very strong here. Still, there’s no telling if the Cardinals will offer and how things will actually shake out if they do. The picture of Hayes’ recruitment will likely clear a bit by the end of spring practices.