Terry waiting patiently for offers

For Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast senior defensive end Chris Terry, he knows that every Friday night is an audition for him to land a college scholarship. Unlike a majority of his peers, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound prospect didn't emerge during his junior season and earn early scholarship offers.

"I missed my junior year and I have got to make up for the slack, for what I didn't do," Terry said. "I am trying to go hard in the classroom and on the field. Trying to show that I have what it takes."

On Friday night, when First Coast remained undefeated by defeating Neptune Beach (Fla.) Fletcher, Terry showed flashes on the field racking up the stats while battling with future Division I offensive tackle Derrick Thorpe.

"I give him his credit, he plays hard and makes you work hard," Terry said. "But I felt I got the upper hand tonight."

At this point, Terry is waiting for offers to come in. He is hearing from a handful of schools.

"Middle Tennessee, FAU, FIU, Georgia Southern, and some other schools out there," Terry said. "Nobody has offered me right now. They are waiting on my film from the regular season."

"All of them call me every week," Terry added. "Middle Tennessee actually came to the school (Friday) to see me. They also came to the game."

Terry talked a bit more about his relationship with one of the members of the Blue Raider's staff.

"Coach (Justin) Watts is recruiting me," Terry said. "He keeps it real. He doesn't sugarcoat anything at all. He tells me what is this and what is that. He doesn't beat around the bush."

With Terry having to wait patiently for his recruitment to pick up steam, he said that official visits will likely have to wait until after his senior season concludes and schools have received his highlights. When he does have the opportunity to visit some of his suitors, he knows what he wants in his future home.

"I want a school where I will have a chance to play early but I also want a good education," Terry said. "Football is my way to get to college so I can be successful academically and so I can pick my career. I want to be an asset to the team and go to a place where I fit."