Offers pile up for Yeldon

Versatility arguably is Daphne, Ala., junior running back T.J. Yeldon's greatest asset.

On the one hand, he's a gifted runner.

On the other, he's a solid pass catcher.

"He's a complete back," said Daphne assistant Mike Vickery.

Yeldon's statistics back that up.

During Daphne's 15-0 season in 2010 (it won the Class 6A state title), Yeldown rushed for 1,150 yards and 18 touchdowns while splitting carries with another 1,000-yard rusher. He also saw time at receiver, and was productive there as well.

"He had I think 35 catches for another 450 or so yards and four or five touchdowns," Vickery said. "He's a very versatile kid who can play everywhere. Everybody that has offered him, has offered him as a running back. There were questions whether he would be a wide out until this past year. But he proved [in 2010] he was a running back in college and that's what he wanted. He wants to play for a team that can feature his power running style. That will play a major role in where he goes."

To date, Yeldon has offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee and UAB. The Bulldogs were the most recent to pull the trigger.

Last year, Yeldon took unofficial visits to Alabama, Auburn and Florida State. Making trips thus far in 2011 hasn't been easy because he also plays basketball.

"It's hard for him to go anywhere right now," Vickery said. "I think he's going to go to Alabama again this weekend with his parents. And I'm sure at some point he'll go to Auburn. I don't know if that'll be for a junior day or their Big Cat Weekend."

Which teams stand out?

"I think he's been everywhere for the most part where his main interests are, except for Florida," Vickery said. "I know he wants to get down there."

Additionally, Yeldon likes two West Coast schools.

"He's definitely interested in USC and Oregon," Vickery said. "He's repeatedly told us he's interested. We have not contacted USC. We have contacted Oregon. They're going to talk to him pretty soon. T.J. is to the point right now, he can kind of name his offers so to speak. We're calling places, and if we say he's interested in coming, there's a good chance they're going to offer."