The Finisher favors two

Chris Hubbard is a three-star prospect from Columbus (Ga.) Carver High School. Hubbard, 6-4.5 and 250 pounds, is a prospect on the rise from the Peach State. He has a bunch of scholarship offers including ones from all his favorite teams – Mississippi State, Duke, UCLA, South Florida and South Carolina. Two standout among this group.

"Mississippi State and Duke are my leaders," Hubbard said. "As far as Mississippi State is concerned I really like coach (Sylvester) Croom and what he has done there. I mean I love him as a person and as a head coach. I would love to play for them.

"The same the with Duke. I love that coaching staff. Both the offensive and defensive line coaches are terrific. There is lots of energy following this team."

So far Hubbard has set up official visits to UCLA (8-30) and to Duke (he can't remember the date). Despite the lead that the Bulldogs and Blue Devils have he remains very interested in the other three.

"With UCLA it's just something about the idea of playing on the west coast. My parents are coming with me and we are very excited about that trip.

"There is something about USF. Something different. I love the way they play.

"With South Carolina I love coach (Robert) Gillespie. I don't know too much about the program just yet but I will.

"I am looking at schools where I know I can play and play early. It will also comes down to the coaches and stability of the programs."

Carver is the defending state champions. They open up their season with a jamboree this Thursday versus Phenix (Ala.) Central High School

Practice has gone well. It has been tough with the heat. The working out in the offseason has really help. Every day we busted our butt and it has paid off. We start this Thursday and it's pretty exciting. The Jamboree will be televised.

"I will be playing left guard this season and my goal is to win another ring and average 50 pancakes a game. I know it sounds crazy but it's possible."

This summer Hubbard camped at Mississippi State and Duke. He was so impressive in Durham that Blue Devil Head Coach David Cutcliffe gave him a nickname based off his camp performance.

"He called me the 'Finisher'. "I just put guys (defenders) on the ground."