Washington has early top three

Winter Park (Fla.) linebacker James Washington claims nearly 20 offers, but said that at this stage three schools are standing out.

"My top three are Syracuse, FIU, Iowa State," Washington said. "I am not narrowing it down to just three schools, really more like 10, but those are the three schools really standing out right now."

Washington's offer list includes Boston College, Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Duke, Florida International, Illinois, Iowa State, Memphis, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Syracuse, Temple, Tulane, Vanderbilt, Washington State, and West Virginia. He talked about what has the three schools on top of that list at this juncture.

Syracuse: "They have a good program, a good overall program - football and academic. I have just always had an interest in going there."

Iowa State: "Iowa State is mainly because of (former teammate) Sam (Richardson). He has told me a lot about their program. I also really like their coaches."

FIU: "Coach (Cedric) Calhoun is a great coach and I feel I've gotten in good with him. I just want to check them out."

Washington, who is being recruited for both defensive end and outside linebacker, said he plans to camp at Florida International this summer, amongst other stops.