Is it still Gamecocks and FSU for Mike West

We introduced you to Butler County C.C. safety Mike West back in May as one of the Gamecocks’ top safety targets. West is 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, runs the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds, bench presses 225 pounds 17 times and sports a 32-inch vertical leap.

West played his high school football in Citra, Florida and signed with Iowa State out of high school as a running back, but failed to qualify. He redshirted last season at Butler and projects as a December 2004 graduate, which means he would have three years to play three and would be able to participate in his next school's spring drills.

When asked where things stand on the recruiting front, West says things haven’t changed much since May.

“Pretty much, things are the same,” West said. “It’s still South Carolina and Florida State for me. I’ve also been offered by Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Louisville and Kentucky.”

As for what he’s looking for in a school, West has three things in mind.

“I’ll mainly be looking at the depth charts because I want to be able to play early,” he said. “I also want to play in a good conference and for a school that has done a good job of developing NFL players.”

In terms of a timeframe on a decision, West has moved his timeframe up somewhat.

“I’m thinking I will make my decision sometime during the season,” he said. “I’m taking 17 hours this summer so I can make sure I graduate in December. So I’d like to know where I’m going during my season. And like I said, it’s mainly between South Carolina and Florida State.”

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