Lowery has several big offers to his credit

Miami (Fla.) Columbus outside linebacker Antonio Lowery is one of the top rising senior linebacker prospects in the Sunshine State. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Lowery has at least 10 major scholarship offers to his credit and is expecting more teams to jump in the mix with offers soon.

"So far, I have offers from Tennessee, Pitt, South Carolina, N.C. State, Florida, Rutgers, Minnesota, Georgia, Auburn and Syracuse," Lowery said. "And I think Miami and Wisconsin are both close to offering."

The Tennessee Vols signed three prospects last season from the Miami area, and are hoping to add Lowery to the mix in 2006.

"Tennessee has a great football team, and they're one of the best every year," Lowery said. "It seems like it would be a good fit from me."

Lowery, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds and the short shuttle in 4.3, likes what he's heard from his Gamecock recruiter Madre Hill thus far.

"South Carolina has told me there's a great chance for me to come in and compete for a starting spot my first year," he said. "And one of my coaches at school has told me it's beautiful up there in South Carolina."

Lowery took an unofficial visit to Gainesville to see what the Florida Gators had to offer.

"I went to Florida's junior day and had a good time," he said. "Their stadium is huge and their fans are just crazy about football."

If the hometown Miami Hurricanes offer, they will be tough to beat.

"Man, Miami is just Miami," he said. "That's really all that I have to say. It's just a great program and I've followed them my whole life."

Lowery has three primary things he's looking for in a school.

"If I do leave Miami, I want to end up at a place that reminds me of home," he said. "I want to be around good people, and I'd like to have a chance to play early if I can. Playing early is going to depend a lot on what I do in the weight room, because I know I need to get stronger to be ready for college."

Lowery, who also plays basketball, hopes to pick a school before taking to the hardwood.

"I'd like to decide before basketball season if I can," he said. "I'm open to everyone as of tonight."

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