Tackling machine hoping for Ole Miss interest

It might appear that college recruiters would be all over a prospect who notched a total of more than 200 tackles last fall, but that's not the situation that Savannah (Hardin County), Tenn. linebacker Steven Rich finds himself early in the recruiting process.

It's not exactly like no school is calling Rich, but he's yet to receive his first offer, while receiving interest from several schools.

Rich, a 6-foot-1, 205 pound outside linebacker prospect, was credited with 109 unassisted tackles and 100 assisted tackles with 12 tackles for a loss and four sacks in 12 games last fall. Around 30 of those tackles came in one game - a double overtime affair against Jackson Northside. He was selected first team All-State ( Class 5A) for his efforts.

Rich said he's receiving interest from Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Penn, Middle Tennessee, and Harvard. He tripped to Knoxville earlier this year after receiving an invitation for the Vols junior day and is planning to attend Vanderbilt's junior day on March 27 at their invitation.

"It was nice up at Tennessee, said Rich, who acknowledges that he grew up a fan of the in-state program. "I talked with Coach (Lance) Thompson and they said they've watched my film. They want me to come back to visit during spring practice and to attend one of their summer camps."

Another team in which Rich has interest, but he's yet to hear from, is Ole Miss.

"I'm waiting to hear from Ole Miss," Rich said. "I'm probably going over to camp there this summer. I'll probably go with one of my friends."

Despite being listed with 4.69 speed, Rich said he has the ability to pursue sideline to sideline from his middle linebacker position in high school. He's a middle linebacker prospect in high school, but projects at the outside position at the next level.

"I'd say my strengths are pursuit and being a pretty strong tackler," he said. "I'd say I can shed blockers pretty well too."

Meanwhile, Rich is still waiting for his first offer and feels Tennessee could be close to being the first school to offer.

"If I had to pick three schools that would offer, it would be Tennessee, Alabama and Ole Miss," he said.

Rich has a 3.5 GPA and recently took the ACT for the first time.