When colleges and universities think of the South Florida area for recruiting, it's the all about the speed positions such as running back, defensive back and receiver. While linebackers and defensive linemen are also impressive, it the offensive linemen who rarely were the target for coaches when searching out talent.

Things have certainly change in the past few years, and while speed is still the No. 1 priority, it's the linemen who are now being sought after by some of the top programs in the country.

This year, perhaps like no other time before, have colleges come in with the sole purpose of recruiting offensive linemen. Marquee players like St. Thomas Aquinas standout Brandon Linder, Torrian Wilson (Northwestern), Jose Jose (Central), Stanley St. Jean (Central), Jonathan Ragoo (Miami Monsignor Pace), Jonathan Feliciano (Western), Joe McNamara (Cypress Bay) and Doug Almenderas from North Miami.

While Linder and Wilson are the main targets in this area, Feliciano and McNamara seemed to come out of nowhere to grab spots at the University of Miami and Stanford respectively. Jose, a Tennessee commitment, has played more varsity games than any other prospect. St. Jean already committed to attend FIU.

``The average fan knew little about Feliciano or McNamara before the spring began,'' said Charles Fishbein of Elite Scouting Services. ``As far back as their sophomore season, we put out information on both of them after then coach Doug Dutton told us about Feliciano, and Mark Guandolo pointed out McNamara after his freshman season at Chaminade-Madonna.''

A NEW ERA IS HERE

The fact that very little information has come out on the ``second tier'' line prospects points to the lack of production in the past. But that has all changed. Just ask the University of Central Florida, which snapped up an entire class of line prospects from Miami-Dade County alone.

The Golden Knights committed Westminster Christian center Perry Meiklejohn, a Miami Herald pre-spring selection, brothers Jordan and Justin McCray from Southridge and talented 6-6, 250-pound Zachary Soto from Monsignor Pace.

``It's amazing how many people overlook the depth we have at the offensive line position,'' said South Broward head coach Allen Held, whose own Steven Jacques, one of the strongest line prospects in the nation, ended up at USF last season. ``Everyone seems consumed with speed and the flashy players.''

Here are some others who are due for a breakout season:

Chris Acosta, 6-4, 275, Hialeah: One of the more promising athletes who has made an impression on coaches and teammates with his 100 percent effort.

Jermaine Barton, 6-6, 275, St. Thomas Aquinas: This former basketball standout moved to football last season, learned quite a bit and now has an opportunity to play at the next level.

Joshua Breakstone, 6-3, 280, Country Day: One of the athlete many never had the pleasure of watching, but he is big, strong, quick and has turned plenty of heads over the past year.

Shawn Brown, 6-2, 300, Central: One of the fastest-rising line prospects who has the honor of blocking for the state's most prolific offensive attack.

Brandon Collins, 6-5, 260, McArthur: One of those players who many will ask why more schools didn't recruit him years from now. A strong, physical prospect who can protect!

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