Noles offer Lincoln linebacker

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If you want to develop a recruiting pipeline Tallahassee Lincoln is a good place to start. The 4A powerhouse typically has several dozen Division 1A senior prospects on the roster, and that should be the case again this fall. Florida State has done well recruiting in its backyard and currently have four Trojans on the roster. They would like to add a few more in 2004.

Calvin Darity, the state's top offensive lineman, already has a Seminole offer in his pocket and on Thursday Rodney Gallon joined his teammate. New linebackers coach Kevin Steele talked to his father Thursday night and told him that his son has a scholarship waiting for him. From all accounts FSU's newest assistant coach made quite an impression.

"I really like coach Steele," Gallon's father said. "He talks from the heart. I want to do what's best for my son and he was concerned about that."

The six-foot, 205-pound linebacker is excited about the scholarship offer but does not expect to make his decision anytime soon. He is currently concentrating on helping his current team and getting ready for the upcoming season. Gallon plans on waiting until he takes his official visits, probably later in the year, before narrowing his list and making a commitment.

"It feels real good," Gallon said of receiving an scholarship offer from FSU. "I've been working real hard to get where I'm at. It's just a blessing that this school is looking at me... I really like Florida State but I'm also thinking about Florida, Miami, Tennessee, Auburn and others."

According to the Lincoln coaching staff Gallon also has offers from Auburn, LSU, North Carolina, Iowa State and Tennessee.

Even with the early offer and being close friends with current Seminoles Antonio Cromartie, Pat Watkins, Ernie Sims and Craphonso Thorpe, Gallon still has a lot of interest in FSU's two biggest rivals. Going for Florida is the fact that he is a "Gator fan" and likes UF's academics. For Miami, he admires the team speed on defense, is friends with Greg Threat and is a big fan of linebacker Jonathan Vilma. That means the instate battle for Gallon won't be an easy one.

"This is my home state so those are the main college schools I'm really looking at," Gallon said. "I've been growing up with them."

In addition to the Florida schools, Auburn is also making a run at the standout linebacker. He will be an unofficial visitor in the Tiger's season opener when they host USC. Tennessee and LSU are also in the mix.

The speedy linebacker will be Lincoln's top returning tackler this season - he racked up 106 stops in 2002.

Look for a prospect video of Gallon coming soon for Warchant.com Subscribers.

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