Recruits continue to travel country - Lehigh Acres News Star

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Prospects across the country are taking their official visits and three players from Southwest Florida did just that over the weekend.

Lehigh defensive back Malik Simmons took his first official to North Carolina.

"I loved it," said Simmons. "It offers everything I want in athletics and academics. I just loved it and my mom did too."

The 6-foot, 180-pound athlete was hosted by North Fort Myers graduate Tre Boston, a Tar Heels defensive back.

"It was just like hanging out with one of my buddies. We clicked and were laughing and having a great time."

Despite the impressive visit, Simmons plans to take other officials.

"I still want to take other officials, but North Carolina set the standard, so if other schools don't meet it, I am going to UNC."

Cape Coral DB T.J. Jiles has already committed to North Carolina which brings up the possibility of having three players from Southwest Florida in the Tar Heels' starting defensive backfield down the road. Clearly, North Carolina likes to recruit here. It also made a run at former Fort Myers/Cape Coral stand-out Jeremy Davis.

Island Coast sent two players on visits when running back Mario Pender and safety Jordan Diggs took officials to Vanderbilt. This was the second official visit for the players with Diggs having been to Nebraska and Pender to West Virginia.

"We had a great time in Nashville and at Vanderbilt," Diggs said. "I really like what coach (James) Franklin is trying to do there and they proved that they are on the rise in the game (a 33-28 loss against Georgia). What is not to like? It is a tremendous school in a city with a ton of things to do. I was very impressed and they certainly gave me something to think about."

Pender was not available for comment.

They spent plenty of time with defensive end Jimmy Stewart. Stewart is redshirting as a freshman at Vanderbilt and graduated from Island Coast a year ago.

Fort Myers junior quarterback Tyler Douglas is starting to get some buzz. The quarterback recruiting cycle is moved up significantly because most, but not all, QB prospects commit during the summer before their senior year. He is seen as a great fit in the college game because of mobility and arm strength.

Cape Coral signal caller Kurt Benkert is also attracting attention. His accuracy, size (6-3) and ability to run the spread offense will give him plenty of looks over the ensuing months.