In a conversation with 2008 South Florida signee Danas Estenor, Palm Beach Central's Jon Bostic asked his teammate what to expect in the recruiting game.

Estenor's response: ''A couple of looks'' this spring, Bostic said.

Well, the senior-to-be got a few more.

Try 25. So far. And they're not low-level offers, either.

''The who's-who of college football [has] already been in here,'' Palm Beach Central coach Rod Harris said.

Who's that? Nearby, schools like the University of Miami, Florida, Florida State, LSU and South Carolina have offered the big-time linebacker prospect, son of former NFL defensive back Jon Bostic Sr.

But it extends farther. West Virginia offered Bostic, too. Even perennial contender Southern California is serious.

That last one says something, in Harris' mind.

''When Southern California comes into Florida,'' Harris said, ``they don't come for anyone. They come just for specific players.''

The reasons are obvious. At about 6-0 and less than 200 pounds not too long ago, Bostic mastered defensive-back skills -- learning them from Bostic Sr., who played the position for Bethune-Cookman and then the Detroit Lions for 2 ½ years. He also developed high-end speed, clocking in at about a 4.5-second 40-yard dash.

Then he grew another two inches and added about 30 pounds -- he's listed at 6-2, 225 -- and kept his speed. Now he's a prime prospect at all three linebacker positions, with ''the football skills to make a solid impact at the next level,'' according to recruiting analyst Larry Blustein.

He's so skilled that some schools have told him he can start from Day 1.

Not that Bostic Sr. is letting his son believe the hype. Ever pragmatic, the father said he constantly instructs Bostic Jr. to ''take [recruiting] in stride'' and ``enjoy it while you can.''

And when those promises of early playing time come, Bostic Sr. said, don't always believe them.

''I just had to make sure that Jonathan understand that [schools] have, say, 90 to 100 scholarships, and they don't sign kids who don't play,'' Bostic Sr. said. ``I think he sees that, and he's heard that a few times, and I think he knows to be wary of someone who promises a silver lining and it's not even raining out.''

Still, that's not to say he's far from being a college contributor. Harris said the soft-spoken Bostic has ''matured tremendously'' in the past year or so, ready to take on a leadership role for the young Broncos.

He also has shaken off back and ankle injuries that marred his junior season, and is ready to continue his two-way role, starring at both linebacker and running back (where a few, but not many, schools also are recruiting him).

But, Harris said, it's Bostic's size and skill level that sets him apart from most teenagers.

''There's no projection for him in college in regards to: Is he fast enough? Is he strong enough?'' Harris said. ``He's there already.''

But where he'll be ''there'' is to be determined. Bostic said he is unsure where he's leaning. He is set to visit some schools in the summer, and will ''probably do some narrowing down'' after.

Wherever his son chooses, Bostic Sr. wants to make sure there's a solid commitment. He wants Bostic Jr. to get an education, to give his all to the team.

And although Bostic Jr. likely won't follow his father to Division I-AA Bethune-Cookman, Bostic Sr. wants his son to share a similar college experience to his parents (his mother went to Florida A&M).

''We'd like for him to have that same love for his institution,'' Bostic Sr. said.

One thing's for sure: He has plenty of suitors.

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