After rushing for more than 1,700 yards as a junior for Florida's class 6A runner-up, Orlando Boone running back James Washington hasn't slowed down. The 5-10 back has been working in the offseason to improve his game, and continues to add weight and muscle to go with his already blazing speed.

"So far my spring has been going well," Washington said. "I have improved on my weight and size. I have gotten much stronger and faster. My workouts have been more intense with my personal trainer Boris Jackson from Speed Plus so that I will be ready for the fall season."

The added work has convinced Washington that he will be an asset to any college program. He is now looking for the colleges to agree.

"I am sure that I will be a great recruit for any college looking for a downhill and zone running back," he said. "I am planning on attending several football camps this summer and I am waiting for my first offer to come."

Among the schools showing Washington interest are LSU, Notre Dame, South Florida, Rutgers and Florida. However, his current focus is on the bright future of his high school team.

"We are working on getting back to the 6A state title game and winning it," he said. "It's going to be a long road but we know what it takes to get back there."

Following the experience Boone had facing powerhouse Miami Northwestern in the championship game, Washington feels that his program has picked up the weathering it needs to come out on top in 2008.

"When we played in the state title game, we had a lot of things running through our minds, but we have overcome them all and we are ready to win that game," he said. "I know it is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication but we are up to the challenge."

West
UCLA and Stanford seem to be butting heads with prospects this spring — especially with out of state offensive linemen. The schools offered offensive lineman Khalil Wilkes (6-3, 285, 5.0) from Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep, and now they are lining up to battle over one of the top players in Indiana.

The player in question is offensive lineman Zach Martin (6-6, 270, 5.0) from Indianapolis  Bishop Chatard.

"Stanford came by and offered me a couple of weeks ago … UCLA was here today (May 21)," Martin said. "Bruin offensive line coach Bob Palcic said to my coach that I was their guy and offered me. He said that the written offer was mailed a couple of days ago.

"I'm not sure if I want to go that far away from home," Martin said. "I've never been to California before, but I'm going to try and visit UCLA in June and maybe Stanford.

"I really don't know much about either school. I know (Stanford head coach) coach Jim Harbaugh played for the Colts for a number of years and is from here.

"I really don't know much about UCLA," Martin said. "I heard it is really beautiful."

The Bruins and Cardinal aren't alone with their recruitment of Martin. Indiana, Purdue, Iowa, Illinois, Northwestern, Minnesota, Michigan, Michigan State, Louisville, Kentucky, Boston College, North Carolina State, Virginia, Northern Illinois and Cincinnati have all shown interest.

Martin has outstanding leadership skills and plays with a nasty attitude. He's a superb run blocker and a solid pass blocker. He has long arms and is flexible. An added plus is he's passionate about football.

As a junior, Martin earned all-state, all-city, all-area and was a member of Indiana's top 33.

He benches 325 pounds and squats 450.

Heartland
Kingwood (Texas) High School has a pair of offensive linemen who are grabbing the attention of local and regional college programs.

The Mustangs' run-oriented offense is in good hands next season with Travis Swanson and Michael Yoder — each 6-5 and a shade over 270 pounds.

"They are both Division I kids," Mustang coach Dougle MacDougald said. "Yoder has a brother who has started at Texas A&M for several years and Swanson could have the best feet in the city of an offensive lineman. Both are going to be huge men and schools are getting all over them."

Swanson is getting looks from Rice, Houston, Baylor, TCU, Arizona, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

"It is really hard to find what Swanson has," MacDougald said. "He can really move for a big man, and Yoder could be the hardest working kid in our program."

As offensive linemen become a hot commodity in months to come, these two Mustangs will be corralled quickly.

MORE FROM NOTRE DAME CENTRAL

Notre Dame Central Section Front

Hansen: ND at crossroads with Weis Weis keeps working awaiting word on his fate No. 5 Trojans whip Irish; Weis pressure mounts Walters: Once prominent, Notre Dame is now pitied Conflicting reports on size of Weis' contract buyout Hansen: Questions swirl around the Irish Hansen: Weis’ recruiting could save his job Wieneke: Ways the Irish can remain strong recruiters Walters: After Syracuse debacle, is Weis fit to coach ND? Syracuse rallies to demoralize Notre Dame Notre Dame Central Section Front   Add Notre Dame Central headlines to your news reader: