The talent was in huge supply at the Nike Camp earlier this month as prospects from all across the middle and southern parts of Florida showed up to compete against the best the Sunshine State has to offer.

Standing tall,  literally,  amongst the crowd of college hopefuls was an impressive looking 6’7″ prospect from Tarpon Springs High School.   Zach DeBell was more than just the tallest tree in the bunch.  It became evident in the preliminary drills that DeBell was as athletic as he was tall.  This is a rare combo at this age.  With his athleticism,  he could easily play tight end and make plenty of defenses miserable but the recruiting action on DeBell has been strictly as a tackle.  DeBell was a formidable opponent in 1-on-1’s versus the defensive line as his length, quickness and technique stymied many attempts to get to the dummy signifying the QB.

With his physical attributes and skill level,  it should come as no shock that DeBell has garnered a great deal of recruiting interest. So much so that the he has created his own website: zachdebell.com to keep recruiters and fans alike up to date on his latest information.  DeBell is holding nine offers as of now from schools like Clemson, Georgia Tech, Mississippi and South Carolina.   He’s also being recruited by all of the major Florida schools and holds offers from both USF and UCF.    He’s taking unofficial visits to campuses and getting a feel for those in pursuit of him.

“I went to Georgia and would like to see more of that school and UNC was beautiful,” DeBell said.

DeBell says that he was invited to Florida’s practices,  was extended an invitation to the University of Miami’s recent spring game and has spoken with Florida St.

“FSU’s Trickett is really cool,”  DeBell remarked, “I like his coaching and all of the ways he coaches.”

Does that give the Seminoles a leg up on recruiting him?  Hard to tell because DeBell says he has no favorites.  The only recruiting nugget I was able to pull out of all this wasn’t one at all.  DeBell grew up an Appalachain St. fan.

When I sounded amazed at this revelation,   DeBell explained further.

“Both my folks went there and my grandmother lived up there and she recently passed so I really root for that school,” he said.  He also playfully added “Don’t diss the App.”

At least I hope he was playing,  I don’t have  good history tussling with 6’7″ 265 pounders.

Eventhough he roots for Appalachain St.,  DeBell is not putting them on his recruiting list.   He obviously has bigger options and he also points out that they have not expressed any interest.

DeBell will take a careful walk through the recruiting process and will undoubtedly pile up more offers during the spring recruiting season.  For now,  it’s anyone’s guess as to who excites him the most.

Check out Zach DeBell’s highlight video at Gridironstuds.com,  click here.