After playing a seven-on-seven tournament at the University of South Florida in 95-degree weather this weekend, three members of the Orlando Dr. Phillips High School are thinking it would be great to play their college football in a little cooler climate. Fort Collins, Colo. specifically could offer that change.

Dr. Phillips linebacker Charles Favors said he and his teammates took second place in a seven-on-seven tournament in high heat and humidity, despite seeing more time on the field than any other team in the tournament.

"We are looking good," Favors said. "Out of 10 games, we lost just the last one. We lost the second game, so we had to play nine games back-to-back... It was 95 degrees and humid at the same time. There were a lot of guys cramping up."

"It was hot, but I hope to get a chance to play in the cold," he added eluding to a possible college career at Colorado State.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Favors broke Dr. Phillips High school records last season for tackles in a game (23 vs. Boone High School) and a season (151) in his first season at middle linebacker.

Favors said he is seeing improvement in his cover skills this summer.

"I could play coverage and lock down a running back and I can tell I have gotten better in the program. Last year at this time I couldn't do that," Favors said.

This summer Favors' recruitment is seeing Wake Forest talk scholarship, though one has not been offered, as well as hearing from former Dr. Phillips quarterback and current Colorado State quarterback Nico Rainieri from Fort Collins.

"We've talked, me and Nico," Favors said. "He and Momo (CSU cornerback Gerard Thomas) have been talking about the way we play Ocesola (Thomas' alma mater) the third game of the year. We had a lot to say about that. Nico said he loves it (Fort Collins) and he knows I am going to love it.

Favors will have a chance to see Fort Collins for himself on Oct. 4 when he and teammates Marquis Hood and Marvin Ford plan on visiting the CSU campus.

"They are still the favorite in my eyes right now - the Rams," Favors said.

Also having a big weekend at the South Florida camp was Marquis Hood. Hood ended last season with 67 stops and two sacks from his outside linebacker position for Dr. Phillips. Hood goes 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, while running a 4.6 40-yard dash. Last week's camp was part of of a summer that has seen Hood work hard on his coverage skills.

"This whole summer, we are trying to get better and my coverages is something we are trying to get better at. We want to go full-speed this year," Hood said.

Colorado State is still his leader as well, although Florida Atlantic is contacting him more and more.

"I had a talk with FAU and they are going to offer me later on," Hood said. "This past month Florida Atlantic and CSU have been sending me letters."

Marvin Ford holds a scholarship at Colorado State and recently took part in an individual drill camp at Florida State University where he said he ran a 4.45 time in the 40-yard dash.

"I was like in the top five at the camp," Ford said of his effort. "I was the top back at the camp. There was like 200 and some people there."

"Marquis did good as well," Favors said of Hood's effort. "His covering has gotten better and his side-to-side has gotten better."

Ford. who possesses 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash, proved himself as a very flexible offensive weapon for the Panthers, running 119 times for 530 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns last year. He was also credited with six tackles.

In addition to the Colorado State Rams, Ford said he is hearing a lot from the Citadel. He added he is hearing from other schools and vetting them through his mother. While the calls from the coaches are helpful in helping Ford to make his college choice, perhaps the best recruiter he is dealing with is Rainieri.

"I did talk to him," Ford said. "He said 'you need to get up here and get it going.'"

"I like CSU. I am waiting for that visit to come," Ford added.


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