South Florida LB emerging

Last season, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard had more than a half-dozen players go onto the collegiate level to continue playing football. As of the spring, it appeared they may have none in 2012. That changed though during Dillard's preseason game, when linebacker John Rachal racked up at least 15 tackles. Since those highlights have gone viral, Rachal has begun to receive a fair share of Division I interest.

"I've recently heard from Navy, Texas Tech, Northern Illinois, and Ohio," Rachal said. "Nobody has offered me yet. The schools are normally telling me they like my film and that they just saw it on YouTube, with it being pretty new."

For the 6-foot-2, 208-pound linebacker, the recent developments with regards to his recruitment have been an enjoyable moment.

"It has been surprising, not in a way where I never thought I would be recruited, but more like when you know you are going to have a kid and then you have the kid," Rachal said. "It is kind of like that. I guess I never knew what it would feel like to be recruited. It feels good. I am just trying to keep my head on the team and stuff."

Rachal, who is an outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA and qualifying ACT score, talked a bit about what kept him under-the-radar.

"Last year, I was starting at tight end, that was my primary position," Rachal said. "This year, I am playing linebacker. That is where my film is at, linebacker and defensive end. I was playing a whole lot of different positions last year, but linebacker is my most natural position."

At this stage in the process, one school is already working aggressively to get him on campus for an official visit.

"Texas Tech wants to get me out there for a visit," Rachal said. "I am planning to go out there on a visit to Texas Tech. I am trying to get out there for a game."

If the South Florida prospect could receive an offer from any school, he said he would love for it to be the local one.

"I really like Miami," Rachal said. "I wouldn't say that if they offered I would just jump right on it. I have been getting some interest from them, getting letters and such. I also went to their camp over the summer. I grew up watching Miami. I would love to get some interest from the University of Miami."

In addition to the colleges mentioned by Rachal, schools such as Florida International, Nebraska, and Western Kentucky are also interested.