Three on top for Northrup

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Linebacker Reggie Northrup from Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast claims more than 20 offers to his name, but with the summer months upon us the talented defender is working towards a narrowed list to visit and ultimately make a decision from.

"I am working on a top five but I have a current top three of Miami, North Carolina, and South Carolina," Northrup said. "They are all very prestigious when it comes to the linebacker position, especially Miami and North Carolina. I feel like those schools fit in for my mentality."

As for trips, those start in the next week or so for the 6-foot-2, 218-pound outside linebacker.

"This summer I plan on going to Miami and North Carolina in the next few weeks," Northrup said. "There are other college trips planned as well. I know I am supposed to go to Florida State on the 20th with the (First Coast) team. As far as other schools it is a big question mark."

With regards to the Hurricanes, Northrup is hearing regularly from linebackers coach Micheal Barrow and recruiting assistant Brennan Carroll.

"They both have extremely high interest me and are looking forward to me coming down there and looking at their facilities and learning more about the school," Northrup said. "They both want me to be a part of their school."

Troy Douglas, North Carolina's defensive backs coach, is Northrup's primary recruiter for the Tar Heels.

"He just tells me about the school," Northrup said. "He came to a couple of our practices. They have shown me a (virtual) tour of the school and what their gameday atmosphere is like. It is real nice. He had a conversation with my father and they talked."

For the Gamecocks, the hard work is being put in by receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr..

"He is a real cool guy," Northrup said. "I talk to him, mostly on Facebook. They are showing a lot of interest in me, regularly sending me letters. They send me a lot of mail."

At this stage, Northrup says his three favorites are in no particular order and that he will allow his summer visits to sort out his list.

"No, not at this time," Northrup said. "I am just going to try to figure out what the best opportunity is for me. I am willing to leave the state but I would prefer to stay in-state for college in a way. Whatever is best for me is my main thing and will I have a chance to compete with the other linebackers early on and have a chance to take over someone's position or at least be in the rotation. That is my main thing."

As for a final decision, Northrup said he hopes to make his choice during the summer.

Northrup finished his junior campaign with 108 tackles, 5 sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles.