Trying to become discovered as a college football prospect can be a daunting task. You can have the talent, the drive and the on-field success, but if the right people don't see you perform, all of that can go unnoticed to colleges.

Fortunately for Tylin Oden, he was discovered just in time.

The class of 2016 dual-threat quarterback from Columbia (Tenn.) Spring Hill completed his junior season in November and had yet to receive an offer. However, in December -- Oden remembers the exact date, Dec. 5 -- an offer came his way and it was a big one: The SEC's Tennessee Vols.

Oden had always realized his potential and ability, so it was about time he got an offer, he admitted to thinking.

"I'm not going to lie," he said. "It was like that. At the same time, I was surprised and I had to calm myself down."

It's a good thing he did, too, because the offers are continuing to come in. He's up to nine now, including Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville and another in-state school, Vanderbilt. In addition, Notre Dame, Auburn and Penn State have expressed interest.

His performance over time has also not gone unnoticed by Rivals.com, which has elevated him into the Rivals250 at No. 204, including a No. 7 national dual-threat quarterback ranking and No. 6 overall state ranking.

"It's been amazing going from not having any stars and not being known by anyone to becoming a four-star and ranked that high as a player," he said. "It's kind of amazing."

He was also invited to the Atlanta stop of the Rivals Quarterback Challenge Presented by Under Armour this past weekend.

Rivals.com Southeast recruiting analyst Woody Wommack covers the Volunteer State and said Oden's talents immediately stood out to him.

"He looks like a small forward in basketball," Wommack said of the 6-foot-5, 195-pound dual-threat. "But then you see him throw and see how he moves, and it's rare to find his combination of size, speed and arm strength. That's why you see these schools taking a look at him, and I think once he gets a chance to go out and throw for some people, he'll get more offers."

Though Oden's recruitment has taken off fast, he's slowing his decision process down just a little to see if any other offers come his way. At the same time, he realizes the window of committing at the quarterback position is smaller than any other position.

"I'm going to gather whatever other (offers) are out there," he said. "But I want to make a decision pretty soon, actually."

Though Oden's recruiting process seemingly picked up steam out of nowhere, from an outsider's perspective that's understandable. As a freshman he was only 6-foot-2 and didn't have a coach who could elevate his game. His team went a combined 2-19 his freshman and sophomore seasons.

A growth spurt, coupled with the arrival of Spring Hill coach Tom Turchetta in 2013, fueled a frantic rise is Oden's stock. With Turchetta at the helm to guide Oden, Spring Hill finished 2014 with a 6-6 record and advanced to the second round of the Class 4-A state playoffs.

"I've always had my mom to fill me with positive energy and tell me to keep working hard and to ignore all the naysayers," Oden said. "But I don't know where I'd be if (Turchetta) didn't come into the picture."

Wommack sees Turchetta's presence as Oden's coach to be a key difference-maker.

"He's still very raw," said Wommack of Oden. "But he never really had a coach until recently. He's still developing and it's impressive to see how far he's come in such a short time."

As Oden rolls into the stretch of his recruitment, he's adjusting to the process just as quickly as his recruitment has taken off.

"It's all happened really fast," he said. "Hopefully I can make some adjustments and adapt to what's going on. It's happening fast, but it's been a fun experience."

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