[private]If you go to Central Florida and mention the name Dontae Aycock, you'll be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn't heard of him. Aycock plays for quarterback Chamberlain H.S. in Tampa, Florida and is often reffered to as a human highlight reel. He is rated the 65th best athlete in the class of 2009 by ESPN and projects by most scouts as a running back at the college level.

"Georgia Tech is the only team that's recruiting me to play quarterback in that they run the option and that's what I run in high school," said Aycock during last evenings interview with BDN. Aycock recently visited the Georgia Tech campus and was rumored by some to be a heavy lean towards the Jackets. "I like the visit a lot, but as far as almost committing, I never said that."

According to a recent article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Tech Coach Paul Johnson had little contact with Aycock of late and they are rumored to have their eyes on another prospect. Another recent AJC article feels that Duke and Tech are running even for the talented young mans services.

Aycock was first offered by Kansas, but 22 schools have now offered. Among those are Duke, Rutgers, UCF, Illinois, West Virginia, North Carolina, Louisville and the aforementioned Georgia Tech. Aycock said that Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Louisville and Duke were the most active schools regarding his services.

He then mentioned that Coach Johnson of West Virginia was the lead recruiter for the Mountaineers and different coaches from Tech and Louisville had called.

When asked of Duke, Aycock replied, "I know they're a great academic school and they're a team coming up." He continued, "I actually just heard from Duke. It was the first day they (teams) could call and I just got off the phone with them," said Aycock.

Aycock seemingly had high regard for the Blue Devils saying, "I've talked to all their coaching staff and I think all the coaches are nice ... I like them." He also mentioned that Coach Jim Collins was the lead recruiter for Duke.

BDN asked one of our staple question in that we asked Aycock to describe himself in three words as a person. "Fun, outgoing and determined," he answered, while never hesitating. When asked to describe his game in one word for those who haven't seen him play, he said, "I would say exciting."

His Chamberlain HS team won their recent Jamboree (exhibition) game and will kickoff the season this week. He gained 1155 yards on 155 carries. He passed for 941 yards last season connecting on 65 of 162 passes.

Aycock looks to narrow his long list to five schools he'd like to visit by the midway point of his high school season. When asked of the most important factors that would go into his upcoming collegiate decision, Aycock replied, "The school environment, the academics and the coaching staff."

Scouting Report - Aycock is a very shifty runner capable of breaking one any time he touches the ball. Aycock will likely be a running back in college but has the tools to be a top notch safety as well. Has the frame to carry about 210 pounds at the college level. Has been clocked last season at 4.5. His height will likely keep him from playing quarterback at the college level. He was not very consistent with his passing last season and needs work on his mechanics. Aycock is a solid student. In short, he is an athlete who will make his way onto the field with his talent.

If he ultimately chooses Duke - Should Dontae choose the Blue Devils, he will be attending one of the best academic institutions in America. Aycock would be in a position to compete for immediate playing time on team that is clearly an up and coming program under first year Coach David Cutcliffe.

Visits scheduled - None at this time. He is expected to narrow his final list of schools in October.

Notes - His brother is is NFL veteran Dwight Smith, who is currently playing safety for the Detroit Lions. Smith was the MVP in Super Bowl XXXVII. His family was originally from Illinois before moving to Florida. Aycock was also born in Atlanta where his Dad still resides, but moved to Detroit at a very early age.[/private]