T.J. Graham leads the way for Wakefield

Raleigh (N.C.) Wakefield head coach Lee Atkins claims three prospects in the 2008 recruiting class. Leading the way for his team is 6-foot-2, 167-pound wide receiver T.J. Graham.

"T.J. is a Division I player," he said. "North Carolina State has offered him, he's got an offer from Florida State and Oregon has offered too.

"The thing about him is that I don't know whether he'll decide to play football or run track because his dad is world famous track coach, Trevor Graham."

Atkins broke down Graham more as a prospect.

"For football, he's an athlete that could play quarterback because he can throw the ball 60-yards on a button," he said. "He could also be a slot wide receiver and a return man. I don't think he has the bulk to be a tailback, but definitely could be a wide receiver or defensive back. I can tell you, if he's in the open field nobody will catch him because he set the state record in the 40-yard dash."

Aside from the offers, the North Carolina prospect is getting plenty of interest.

"My box is filled every single day with letters for him from everybody in the ACC and SEC. All the major players are interested at this point, but he doesn't really talk about schools. He's quiet and shy."

Off the field, Atkins spoke very highly of his talented prospect.

"He's a great kid that is very respectful and one of the more disciplined athletes I've coached."

In addition to Graham, Wakefield features a talented kicker in 6-foot-0, 170-pounder Bryson Rose.

"He was the No. 2 kicker in the state last year and had two kicks from beyond 50-yards," he said. "He's a very accurate and consistent kicker that is a hardworker. He works all summer and during the year on his kicking. He also comes from a good home and is very respectable."

On the recruiting front, schools are starting to take notice of Rose.

"All the local schools in the area are obviously interested, but he's also getting some looks from schools in Texas and the Big Ten. I can't remember which ones though, but he doesn't have any favorites."

Rounding out the group is 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker Michael Steinberg.

"Michael is one of the most dedicated young men I've seen," he said. "I don't remember the exact stats, but he led the conference in tackles last year and was our team MVP and we had the No. 1 ranked defense in the triangle. He allowed very few plays to run inside the box.

"He's also an outstanding young man and comes from a great family. He's smart and has good grades."

Currently schools from the Ivy League along with NC State, Duke, East Carolina, North Carolina and Wake Forest are showing interest.