Blackwell: Offers coming for Freedom lineman

It's a matter of when, not if. Freedom offensive lineman Carl Saunders, one of the county's most underrated talents, will receive a scholarship offer from a Division I-A program, Patriots coach Marquel Blackwell said.

"His first offers are coming," Blackwell said.

Here's why Blackwell thinks this: A 6-foot-3, 265-pound rising senior, Saunders is a three-year starter with "great feet, great technique and the frame to fill out," Blackwell said. He's also versatile. Although he projects as a guard at the next level,  Saunders is likely to play "everywhere" on the line for Freedom.

Saunders recently competed in a camp at USF. Blackwell, who once played quarterback for the Bulls, said he performed well. The coach isn't sure which college will be the first to offer, but he's confident one will step forward "soon," possibly in the next two weeks.

--KEITH NIEBUHR