Defensive end Frank Herron (Memphis Central/Memphis, Tenn.) has seen his recruiting stock rise over the past few months.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound junior defender has already grabbed offers from Tennessee, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Miami, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, Purdue, Cincinnati and South Florida.
The 2013 Tennessee prospect was offered by Tim Hinton when Hinton was still at Notre Dame, but Herron isn't sure if the offer is still valid.
"Coach Hinton offered me a little while back, but I'm not sure if it still stands," he said. "As soon as Coach Hinton got to Ohio State he offered me as well, so I'm wondering if the new coaches at Notre Dame like me as much."
Herron is hoping the Notre Dame offer is still valid because he's very interested in the program.
"I like Notre Dame and we need to get some Memphis guys on the roster," he stated. "I know that at Notre Dame I can get a great education and be part of a great football program. Notre Dame graduates their players, so I know I can get a degree from there and that's important."
Herron has already taken several visits, including one for Mississippi's Junior Day last weekend and he plans to hit the road for more visits soon. Is Notre Dame a school the coveted prospect would consider visiting?
"I know I'm going to go to junior days at Mississippi State, Alabama and Tennessee, I'm not sure of any others yet," said Herron. "I would definitely like to visit Notre Dame and finally get a chance to see their campus. Hopefully, I can get up there this spring and catch a practice."
While the quality of the football program will be a factor, education is the most important aspect the Southern product is looking for in a school.
"That's what I like about schools like Vanderbilt and Notre Dame because they set you up for life after football," he explained. "Don't get me wrong, the football program is very important because everybody wants to play for a winner. I'm just looking for a school that has the perfect blend of both."
Don't expect a decision anytime soon from Herron, as he plans to take his time with the recruiting process.
"Right now, I'm focused on basketball, I'll start getting into recruiting this spring," he described. "I'm not really sure how I want my recruitment to play out, but me and my family will go over that. It would be nice to have recruiting over with before my senior season, but it would also be nice to takes my official visits. I'll probably just go with the flow of things and see where it takes me."
