Coates a top target for UCF

Destin Coates has long been a priority for UCF as the Tallahassee (Fla.) Rickards running back was offered last summer prior to his junior season.

He keeps in constant communication with his would-be position coach, Ryan Held, and is looking forward to visiting for the first time on Satuday for Junior Day.

"Recruiting has been fun and I am looking forward to being able to take visits," Coates said. "I want my first visit to be UCF and I plan on going to Junior Day. Coach Held has been trying to get me down there for a long time."

Coates really likes UCF right now.

"I like the fact they're an up and coming program," Coates said. "They're on the rise. They've been getting top athletes to come to their school."

Other offers include Southern Miss, Troy, UAB, USF, Ole Miss, Wake Forest, FAU, Purdue, Georgia State, Illinois, Appalachian State, Memphis and East Carolina. Of those, in addition to UCF, Wake Forest and Ole Miss stand out.

Wake Forest: "I like their academic program. They seem to do a good job of helping people start a good life after football."

Ole Miss: "They're in the SEC so they're always playing good teams."

Coates isn't sure about a time frame for a college decision, but the prospect of early playing time will be important.

"The most important thing is playing my true freshman year," he said.