lblustein@MiamiHerald.com

Frankie Telfort and his family have had quite a two years on the football field. As a junior at Coral Reef, where he was introduced to the nation, and this year as a member of the 2A state runner-up Gulliver Prep Raiders. But soon, this gifted athlete will have a decision to make. One that will be the most important of his young life.

All season, much of the focus was what position this 5-11, 205-pounder will play. Linebacker or safety?

With schools such as Florida and the University of Southern California in the mix early on, there was some skepticism whether this speedy (4.41) standout could lineup at linebacker, but those who doubted him, were treated to impressive performances in his last two games -- against Jacksonville Bolles in the state title game -- and last weekend in Orlando in the Under Armor All-Star event.

With 12 tackles in the title game, Telfort silenced many of those who doubted if he could get it done against top-flight competition. Then, performing against the best in the all-star game, he did the same.

''I knew from the first day I arrived in Orlando that I belonged,'' Telfort said. ``I went up against some of the top-rated players in practice and came away more than holding my own.''

HYBRID DEFENSIVE PLAYER

Telfort is a hybrid defensive player. His speed is certainly the wildcard in the mix, giving schools the option of playing him at safety or linebacker, where he has spent a majority of his career.

Schools such as Florida and USC use larger linebackers, but the thought of a player with his skill level and speed, playing in the secondary, is intriguing. Perhaps enough for Stanford to offer.

''The Stanford thing has been in play all along,'' Telfort said. ``I am going there this weekend, and with the academics and improving football, it looks like a place where I would fit in fine.''

When he returns from California, Telfort will then take a trip to Gainesville and perhaps Ohio State before settling in making a decision based on what's best for him and not where the popular decision may be.

''This is a decision of a lifetime,'' Telfort said. ``One that will immediately change my life, so the entire family will be in on this decision.''

While Telfort continues his search for the perfect schools, other area prospects will make their choices.

READY TO DECICE

One of the players who will make a choice between Miami and Vanderbilt is Plantation American Heritage offensive lineman Jarred Wheeler, who will make his decision Saturday morning with Bruce Warner on 790 The Ticket between 10 a.m. and noon.

Wheeler, who we have been watching for five years since his first varsity experience at Sheridan Hills Christian School, has turned into quite a prospect and could give the Hurricanes or the Commodores much needed depth up front.

Another prospect who appeared to be signed, sealed and delivered is Columbus receiver Kenny Whittaker, who was all set to attend Marshall before an injury sidelined him. Whittaker, a talented football player, will be looking to show schools that he is healthy and ready to go.

Other South Florida athletes who are narrowing down their choices include Deerfield Beach quarterback Denard Robinson (Florida, Georgia, Kansas State, Michigan, South Florida, UCF and West Virginia). With the departure of Robert Marve, the Hurricanes should also give this gifted athlete a look as well. He certainly has the speed and athletic ability.

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@