SEC coming after McLin

Carthage (Texas) three-star defensive end Jarrod McLin has yet to receive his first college scholarship offer, but the interest is already coming in after a strong sophomore campaign which saw him help Carthage to a state championship and earn district co-newcomer of the year honors.

While he waits for his first scholarship offer, he does have a couple of schools showing more interest than the rest.

"Everything is going good. I'm hearing from a few schools," McLin said. "The school I'm hearing from the most is Arkansas definitely and then probably Texas A&M. I've heard a lot from Arkansas."

Texas A&M is the only program he has visited at this point and they have pushed themselves to the top of McLin's early list and earlier this summer

"I went up there on a little visit earlier in the summer to like a little scrimmage and talk to coach Price and them," McLin said.

He plans to return to College Station in the near future.

"The first home Texas A&M game, I think it's against Lamar, I'm supposed to go to that with my teammate Marquise (Guinn)," McLin said.

A trip to Arkansas could also be in his future.

In addition to his favorite school, he has also developed a strong relationship with one coach in particular.

"Coach Funk from Michigan I like him a lot," McLin said. "He's a pretty nice dude. He's pretty funny. He's a good guy. I've talked to him a few times."

At this point in the process, McLin hopes to make his college decision before his senior season.

While recruiting has picked up, McLin is currently focused on another championship run at Carthage. Practice is in full swing with the first game just a few short weeks away. Expectations are high and McLin and his teammates are ready to get started.

"Everything is going pretty good. There's a lot of hardwork and stuff. We're just trying to replace everyone who left us last year," McLin said. "I have a lot of goals really. I just want to lead my team in tackles and lead East Texas if not the state in sacks because I feel like that's a strong point of mine and I can do it. And have a few defensive touchdowns."

As a sophomore in 2013, McLin recorded 73 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 24 quarterback pressures. He is currently ranked No. 25 among 2016 weakside defensive ends and No. 59 in the Rivals.com Texas Initial Top 75 for 2016.