Offers rolling in for hard-hitting safety

Vero Beach, Fla. 2009 prospect Zeke Motta is more than just a big body. He is quickly becoming a big name on the recruiting trail. At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Motta is an imposing presence as a safety. With over 15 offers already in, Motta's stock should continue to rise.

Currently, Motta is in the midst of Spring Practice and college scouts are coming by on a steady basis.

"Stanford UCF and Florida State came by," Motta said. "I know that West Virginia is coming down and the guy from Notre Dame is coming down but I think so far the people that have been here have been Wake Forest, Purdue and UCF."

Motta is a heavy-hitter from his safety position that brings a lot of athleticism. However, because of his size, he could project as a linebacker on the next level.

"Most of the schools are looking at me as a strong safety and depending on how I grow maybe outside linebacker," he said. "I don't really care where I play. Anywhere I play I'm going to play hard."

It is no coincidence that several of the programs that have shown Motta interest have been prestigious academic institutions. That is one of the three primary factors that he is keeping in mind in his selection of a school.

"I'm looking at probably academics, prestige and location," he said. "The location of the campus and I don't really mind going out of Florida or far away."

Of the schools that have been showing the safety interest, the eight that stick out at this point in the process are Stanford, Auburn, West Virginia, Wake Forest, Florida State, Wisconsin, Purdue and Notre Dame. All but Florida State and Notre Dame have offered the standout.

However, no one school is a heavy favorite at this point.

"They're probably all about the same right now because I haven't really had a chance to go to any of the campuses and talk to the players," he said. "So far we plan to go to Stanford and Auburn and we're still working on going to some other schools. I don't know what those schools will be, maybe Notre Dame or Wake Forest."

Motta, who was one of the top overall defensive backs at the Gainesville Nike Camp, does not plan on compromising his focus on his team for recruiting this fall.

"I don't plan on giving any commitments before the football season," he said. "I'm just trying to stay focused on this next football season right now."