South Florida DB has a top two

This past weekend's Gridiron Kings event in Orlando went a long way toward showing the nation the immense talent at the skill positions in the state of Florida. Though he was not part of the Southeast squad, Hollywood (Fla.) McArthur defensive back Nick North is more proof of the speed that is abundant in the Sunshine State.

The 6-foot, 185-pound defender picked up offers from Illinois, TCU, Memphis, UCF, Western Michigan, New Mexico, Central Michigan and Utah State this spring. Things have been slowed down a bit, but should pick up again as the season begins soon.

"I still pretty much just have the same offers as before," North said. "I have seven or eight of them.

"I've been away from football for awhile because I'm just now coming back from California. I was spending time with my family out there. I took a step away from football for a minute because I was out there with them, but I'm back now. I'm at practice and everything."

Though they have not offered, an in-state school is in good standing with North should they decide to do so.

"I like Florida State," he said. "I talk to coach (James) Coley from Florida State and I've talked to coach (Eddie) Gran. They like me a lot. They said that they were going to offer me earlier in the season, but I never received the papers."

As for the programs that have extended scholarship offers, North admits that a pair of them stands out above the others.

"Illinois and TCU, I'd have to say those two are on top," he said. "I talked to coach Ron Zook [on Monday]. He was talking to me about Illinois and he told me to give him a call again. I haven't been able to yet because I've been busy all day.

"I love TCU. They're good. Every time I see their coach, he asks me how I'm doing. We talk about them and what they're doing out in Texas. I like what they're doing out there."

North is a versatile defensive back that has the ability to play numerous positions in the secondary. Though listed as a safety, he could also end up playing cornerback at the next level.

"I know Florida State is looking at me at corner and safety," he said. "Other schools, they're looking at me at corner. TCU, they're looking at me at safety. Illinois, they're looking at me for both. They ask me every time if I can play both. The majority of the schools ask me if I can play both and I say yes.

"I play both at McArthur. It all depends. If our opponent that we have that week, if he's a big top receiver, they'll put me on him at cornerback. They'll have me cover him man-to-man. Other times I play safety."

If other programs want to get in on the South Florida prospect, they had better do so quickly. He says he plans to make a commitment soon.

"I want to make a commitment probably about two weeks before the season starts," North said. "That's coming up really quick, so I need to figure out what I want to do."

As a junior in 2009, North was an honorable mention all-Broward County selection after tallying five interceptions for the Mustangs.