FSU offers sleeper safety

Every year there are a a few senior prospects that come out of nowhere to find their way onto the recruiting landscape. Gulliver Prep's Anthony Leon definitely fits in that category.

Until recently, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound sleeper was better known for his achievements on the hardcourt than the gridiron. In fact, one recruiting website rates Leon as one of the top 10 hoops prospects in Florida for the class of 2006. However, his first major scholarship offer is for him to play football.

"FSU showed him some love and he's excited about that," Gulliver assistant coach Ron Butler said. "That's his first official offer and he plans on taking an official visit up there. That will be his very first visit. I'm not sure when he's going to go."

A Seminole coach was in Miami this weekend scouting him along with defensive back Patrick Robinson. But the decision to extend an offer came after the FSU coaches were able to review video from his first few games from this season.

"The kid is a natural athlete," Butler said. "He just didn't have anybody out there pushing him for football. He decided that, 'hey coach, you have a good thing going and I want to be a part of this and make it happen.'"

Even though FSU is the only major school to offer a scholarship so far, Miami and Florida have recently been in contact with the Gulliver coaching staff to get film on their up and coming safety prospect. In addition to the three instate powers, Colorado State, UCF and Bowling Green are actively recruiting Leon.

For now, the 'Noles are clearly in the team to beat but the 'Canes might be tough to beat if they offer a scholarship. Not only do they have the advantage of being the hometown team, Leon's cousin is former UM All-American safety Sean Taylor.

Even though teams have generally stayed away from throwing the football on Gulliver, Leon has picked off two passes and recorded 15 tackles in three games.

Talk about it on the Premium Recruiting Board or the Regular Recruiting Board