Vols, Trojans, Pack lead for Jersey ATH

While most fans are still talking about the Class of 2005 and the prospects that signed with their schools, many coaches already have their sights set on athlete Antwine Perez.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound athlete from Camden (N.J.) Woodrow Wilson runs the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds.

"I've got offers from Iowa, Syracuse, Boston College, NC State, Maryland and Rutgers in writing," said Perez. "I've got about 25 others that are just verbal offers. Some other schools that are recruiting me are Tennessee, USC, Michigan, Michigan State, Pitt and Virginia.

"My three favorites are Tennessee, Southern Cal and NC State. Behind those three I'd put Michigan and Virginia Tech. There are a lot of places I could end up going, but those three are at the top of my list right now."

As a junior Perez recorded 58 tackles and picked off five passes from his safety position. As a quarterback he completed 103-of-183 passes for more than 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was named all-conference, all-Group and all-South Jersey.

"Most schools are recruiting me as a free safety, but a lot of them are putting the 'athlete' tag on me and saying they want to see where I'd fit in best. Three schools -- NC State, Boston College and Syracuse -- are recruiting me as a quarterback. I really don't care where I play at this point, but I'm leaning a little toward defense."