Recent trip impresses ONeal

Deland (Fla.) wide receiver Dantwaun O'Neal used this past weekend as an opportunity to check out Florida International.

"I just went down there Saturday morning and it made me feel like home," O'Neal said. "I learned a lot there."

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound wide receiver enjoyed the time he got to spend with Mario Cristobal's staff.

"They showed me around the campus and the weight room and some other stuff," O'Neal said. "I also went over some plays with the receivers coach. I really liked the coaches I got to meet there.

"On the academics, they have 180 majors," O'Neal added. "It is a real good school."

O'Neal did feel as though the Golden Panthers have one negative working against them slightly.

"The only thing that bothered me was their conference (the Sun Belt)," O'Neal said. "I want to play in a conference that you can produce in and do real good so down the line with the (NFL) Draft you get more recognized. I am just thinking ahead."

At this stage of the process, the Sunshine State prospect isn't in a rush to make a decision.

"I am just keeping my options open," O'Neal said. "But (FIU) definitely stood out to me, I liked the school. They are going to be in it with me. They are going to be near the top throughout as they were the first to offer me."

O'Neal reported recent interest from Florida Atlantic, Indiana, Iowa State, North Carolina State, UCF and Wake Forest, amongst others. He believes the next few weeks during spring football will prove to be very productive.

"I expect a lot more offers," O'Neal said. "I just talked to Coach (Sean) Beckton (at UCF) and I think they are real close to offering. He is supposed to come see me when spring ball starts. They have big interest in me. They want to see me perform with my pads on. I think there is like an 80% chance they offer me."

Prior to visiting Florida International, O'Neal had the opportunity to check out the Golden Knights, as well as Florida.