Glades Central (Fla.) standouts Travis Bell and Antwon Chisholm have made no secret of the fact that West Virginia is their top choice of schools -- they drove 17 hours to attend WVU's camp this summer and have talked openly about their affinity for the program. EerSports.com caught up with both players Friday for an update on recruiting, their plans for the fall and to find out whether the 'Eers remain atop their respective lists.
"West Virginia is [still] up front," said Chisholm, a 5-foot-8, 170-pound speedster who compares his playing style to that of WVU star and Florida native Noel Devine.
"Yeah, I like him. I like him a lot," said Chisholm, who is also considering Oklahoma State, Michigan State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss. "I talked to him. He said he saw my highlights and he liked them, that I would be a good fit there."
Chisolm averaged nearly 10 yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns while platooning at running back as a junior. This year, he's got far loftier goals.
"I plan to have 2,000 yards," he said. "Definitely."
Seider, an alumnus of Glades Central, has an inside track with both players thanks to his background at the school.
"That helps a lot," Chisolm said.
Fellow Florida standouts Fred Pickett and Robert Clark, both WVU commitments, have been recruiting Chisholm. Though he's favoring the Mountaineers, Chisholm said it's unlikely he'll commit early.
"I want to take my visits and see what other schools have to offer," he said.
Bell, meantime, is a rangy 6-foot-2, 171-pound safety rated among the top defensive backs in talent-gorged Florida. His list of offers is impressive, including WVU, LSU, Florida State, Miami, Florida and Georgia.
For some Florida players it would be difficult to turn down the trio of traditional in-state powerhouses.
"Well, that's them," he said. "If they're trying to sit on the bench for two or three years, they can go there."
In his sophomore and junior seasons, Bell totaled 107 tackles, eight interceptions, and two forced fumbles in addition to two punt return touchdowns. A four year-starter, he has classic size and speed for for a free safety. It seems safe to say he's among the top players on WVU's recruiting board, and after his trip to Morgantown with Chisholm earlier this summer, the feeling is mutual.
"I like the coaching staff, the facilities, they way they run their program, everything," Bell said. "It was a sight to see. It was worth the drive."
He said he hears from WVU about twice a week on average. The 'Eers staff seems to be throwing the kitchen sink at him. Asked which coach is recruiting him for WVU, he said, "Everybody. Coach Holliday, JaJuan, coach Dunlap.
"They talk about football, education, where I would fit in on the roster. I could play early. I'm thinking they have a couple of senior safeties and one or two juniors who could go to the NFL."
Bell is hoping to graduate from high school early and enroll in college next January, but those plans may not work out because his school district doesn't allow students to take course online. There is an appeal pending, though, and he said he expects to receive an answer this week.
Bell said he and Chisholm will most likely visit WVU officially Sept. 12. We wouldn't be surprised to see the staff lock up commitments from both players, whether during that visit or later in the fall. EerSports.com will keep you updated.
Antwon Chisholm ESPN Highlight Video:
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