OT Barnum is the star at Lake Gibson

Offensive tackle Ricky Barnum out of Lakeland (Fla.) Lake Gibson is up to three offers according to his head coach Keith Demyer. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder has scholarships from the ACC and Big East.

"He's got offers from Miami, Virginia Tech and South Florida," he said. "Miami offered in the beginning of the week, while Virginia Tech offered two weeks ago and South Florida was soon after that.

"Ricky was excited about all of them and is just taking it in stride. He's a laid back type of kid that doesn't know where he wants to grow and has no favorites."

Demyer went on to discuss what makes his star recruit standout.

"I'll say the improvement he made from the beginning of the year to the end was outstanding," he stated. "He's got good feet, moves well, long arms and that stuff helps him a lot in pass blockings. He's a mobile lineman that gets to the second level with the linebackers and can change directions really well.

"He's still got to get a little bit stronger, but if he continues to improve he'll be really good. I think he's got the room to get up to 300-pounds and not lose a step. He's a player that isn't fat at all and has a frame you can really grow on."

Barnum isn't just a star on the field, but also off of it.

"He's a good kid and a leadership type that works well with our younger kids," he said. "He's a good one to get for whoever gets him and has around a 3.0 GPA."

Barnum isn't the only player to watch at Lake Gibson in 2008. Teammate and friend, defensive end James Jones is getting his share of looks.

"Nobody has offered, but Virginia Tech is very interested in him," he said. "I know Miami was going to offer over the phone, but they want to eyeball his height first. I think USF will offer too.

"James is a full motor all the way type of player. He's a good physical kid that works hard and is real strong in the weight room. He's got such quickness off the ball and can run down a play from the backside. He's a smart kid in the classroom and as a football player and has great character."

Although they aren't quite in position to receive offers, Demyer believes two other players will start receiving looks by May.

The first is 6-foot-4, 270-pound offensive tackle Josh Garbin.

"He's just started to come into his own at the end of last season," he said. "He's starting to get looks from South Florida, Auburn, Ole Miss and a bunch of other letters because of his size. I think in May recruiters will really start taking notice of him.

"He's a good athlete that plays on the basketball team and solid academically."

The other prospect is 5-foot-11, 165-pound wide receiver James Bull.

"He's going to hit in May," he said. "Last year was his first playing varsity football and didn't come around until the end of the season in the playoffs. He started really showing what he can do once he knew everything. Since January, he's been busting it big-time and will come out in the combines."

In limited play last year, Bull recorded 17 receptions and four touchdowns.