Wyncote (Pa.) Bishop McDevitt running back Lamar McPhearson is entering the final stages of recovery from a season ending leg injury suffered last season. McPhearson, who broke his fibula, is back running at full-speed. Is his recruitment up to speed?

"I am hearing from a lot of schools. I must say that I am surprised by the attention that I have received," said the 5-foot-10, 190-pound running back who runs a 4.4 second 40-yard dash.

McPhearson won the starting running back job after rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown while splitting time in the first game of his junior season. McPhearson's season ended just before halftime in the second game but not before he put on a show that is still vivid in his own mind.

"I was determined to show everyone why I won the job that night. I wanted to put my name in the record book and put a victory in the win column for my team. In the first quarter and a half, I rushed for 120 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. I injured my leg with a few minutes left before halftime. I have been working harder than ever since then."

Although McPhearson has no scholarship offers yet, the suitors are lining up.

"I am receiving interest from Michigan State, Penn State, Maryland, Boston College, North Carolina, Iowa, Indiana, and Virginia. Schools are recruiting to play running back and a few are saying I may be moved to defensive back."

What is McPhearson doing this spring and summer to prepare himself for college play?

"I am lifting and doing speed training. My bench max is up to 310 pounds and I am trying to get my 40-yard dash time below 4.4 seconds. The gym is open 24 hours a day, so when I am not studying, I am hitting the weights."

McPhearson has a 2.8 GPA and will camp at Maryland, Penn State, and Michigan State.