FIU making push in Tampa Bay

In Sunday’s recruiting column, I noted that Florida International has made a big push in the Tampa Bay area in recent months, according to local football coaches.

"They realize we've got talent here," said Alonso coach Mike Heldt, who played for Notre Dame. "This is the most I've seen them around."

The Golden Panthers have made scholarship offers to two of Heldt's players: senior WR Justen Davis and junior DL Anthony Chickillo.

And there are others. At last check, FIU also had offered the following players (and these are just the ones I know about):

-Andre Davis, Jefferson, WR, Jr.
-Mark Grant, Tampa Bay Tech, DL, Sr.
-Mark Hansson, Palm Harbor U., OL, Sr.
-Tim Jackson, Gibbs, DE, Sr.
-Tyler Moore, Countryside, OL, Jr.
-Phillip Ely, Plant, QB, Jr.
-Quentin Williams, Jefferson, QB, Jr.

KEITH NIEBUHR (kniebuhr@sptimes.com)

Recruiting updates more

Players in post

• Phillip Ely

Teams in post

• Plant High School