Never too soon to hop on Michel bandwagon

Plantation (FL) American Heritage High School RB Sony Michel (pronounced So-knee Meh-shell) is one of the nation's most highly coveted recruits.

Just one problem: He's in ninth grade.

But that hasn't stopped Michel from listing several verbal scholarship offers, including Miami (programs are not allowed to give written offers until a recruit's junior year).

Michel is taking all the attention in stride.

"I was always the biggest kid growing up in Optimist playing older kids, so this is the same thing - I'm used to it," Michel said.

Of getting such early college attention - including several offers - Michel said, "It's a great feeling. Not a lot of kids get this opportunity."

He's already spoken with coaches from Miami to Florida State to Alabama.

It seems strange to ask a prospect with almost three years left before he has to sign a scholarship where he stands, but here it goes: So, Sony, where does Miami fit in right now?

"I'm still open right now," he says. "Anyone can just come in. I'm getting some good advice on how to handle all the recruiting process, to look for what I'm going to school for."

By the time Michel graduates there will potentially be a new US President and, we assume, at least one more Hurricane national championship.

* Michel showed off his incredible athletic ability as a freshman last season, rushing for 1,730 yards with 20 touchdowns.

He also landed Nike Camp MVP honors last Sunday.

* Michel says he's spoken with coach Al Golden and that "He's a great person."