Top school for ONeal

St. Petersburg (Fla.) Canterbury School of Florida running back Brent O'Neal rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries in his team's 34-7 victory over Naples (Fla.) Community School. The talented running back is hoping that Friday's success on the field is the first step to a big senior season for him and his team.

"My goal is 2,000 yards," O'Neal said. "If I am marked like I was in that game on Friday night, then it is going to be hard to get. But I am still going to shoot for it. All it takes is a couple of yards here and there and then I break one off for a big gain and my average goes up."

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound back holds offers from The Citadel, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, and Wofford. Three of those schools are currently at the top for his services.

"I have my top three down," O'Neal said. "It is Citadel, then Wofford, and finally FIU. They are in that order. I might pick up more offers during the season but I am pretty set on my top three."

He talked about what separates The Citadel from the bunch.

"I like the opportunity to play early there," O'Neal said. "They have told me I have a chance to play early, as a freshman, if I pick up the offense and beat everyone else out at the position."

This summer, O'Neal visited The Citadel, Wofford, Furman, and Florida International. He is planning to hit the road again, starting in two weeks, to take some visits.

"I haven't scheduled any official visits, but I am going on September 10th to The Citadel to watch the Furman game," O'Neal said. "In October I am going to Wofford. I am also probably going to go to an FIU game pretty soon."

As for a decision, that should come during the next few months.

"I won't commit real early, but it will probably be before the season is over," O'Neal said. "If a team is offering me at the end of my season, I am probably going to be pretty set on where I am going already."

As a junior, O'Neal rushed 130 times for 1,235 yards and 17 touchdowns. He scored a total of 21 touchdowns on the season.