2013 CB Troy McCollum (6’1, 170, 4.4) of North Miami HS holds 17 offers including Illinois, Indiana, Ole Miss, Mississippi St., Central Florida, South Florida, Florida International, and Louisiana Lafayette among others.

McCollum shared with Deep South Recruiting his Top 5. “In no order, my Top 5 is FIU, USF, UCF, Illiniois, and Ole Miss.”

North Miami’s talented corner spoke about the Golden Panthers. “I’m very close to the FIU staff and they’re cooI to be around. Some of their coaches graduated from North Miami HS, so we feel a bond. I just camped there and it was very intense.”

McCollum discussed what he likes about the University of Mississippi. “I really enjoyed Ole Miss,” he said. “There’s a lot of things about Ole Miss I like. The indoor facility; it’s one-of-a-kind. The coaching staff and players are friendly and it was a relaxed, family atmosphere. Ole Miss has a great vibe for me.

“At USF, I’m really close to Coach Larry Scott. I haven’t visited their facilities yet, but I like how they play football and it’s program on the rise.”

McCollum said of the Fighting Illini “I think Illinois likes me a lot. They’re recruiting Florida better, have some Florida players on their roster.

“UCF, I have a very close connection with DB Coach Kirk Callahan. I like their program and campus.”

McCollum said he has an idea when he’ll make his college choice. “I thought I would have my decision made before the season started, but I thought about it, and I’ll make my decision after I take all my visits.”

In the meantime, fall camp starts for North Miami August 6. With no more camps or unofficial visits planned, McCollum is turning his focus toward the 2012 season. “I’ll keep working hard toward my goal, stay on my grind.”

– Michael Bradley