Saunders picking up interest

This past weekend at the Miami Nike Football Training Camp, North Palm Beach (Fla.) The Benjamin School offensive lineman Trenton Saunders took home MVP honors at his position. He talked about the experience on the University of Miami practice fields.

"That was definitely a good experience," Saunders said. "I had been looking forward to doing the (Nike) Combine before but I missed that. So I felt like I did alright at the (Nike) Camp, but I felt I could have done better in the one-on-ones. It was a great experience though because I learned a lot of different things from Coach (LeCharles) Bentley. He talked about pulling and hitting with my right shoulder. I think the whole event was good exposure."

Saunders said the biggest one-on-one challenge he faced on the day was Tampa (Fla.) Jefferson defensive end Tyriq McCord.

So far, one school has stepped up with an offer for the 6-foot-4, 279-pound offensive lineman. He believes others are on the way come spring.

"FAU right now is the only offer but there is soon to be more," Saunders said. "I know Virginia Tech and Kansas are both coming to my spring game. Both of them want to see me physically, they want to see me in person. They want to see my size and strength. FIU has told me that they basically want to offer me at their spring game this Saturday. I am going to visit there Saturday."

While Saunders has yet to visit Florida Atlantic, the lone school to offer him, he has had some conversations with the coaching staff.

"I have talked with Coach Jared Allen," Saunders said. "I spoke with him during my sophomore year. He has spoken with me since and told me they are definitely giving me an offer."

When it comes to the Jayhawks, he has some ties to the Big 12 program.

"With Kansas, my brother went there and ran track, so I guess that is part of the reason they came to me, because they believe they have a good shot with my brother having gone there," Saunders said.

As for the Hokies, they are a school he has quite an interest in at this point.

"Virginia Tech, I really like them," Saunders said. "I have been dealing with Coach (Charley) Wiles. He is coming down to see what he wants me for. He has been talking with the offensive line coach and they are split right now on playing me on offense or defense."

When Saunders moves onto the next level, he believes his future position is offensive guard. He said he is capable of moving to offensive center and snapping though.