[LeeCoUKFan]

Linebacker Firios caught in Bluegrass recruiting battle

Justin Rowland
Special to CatsIllustrated.com

Just a year ago Nico Firios probably couldn't have imagined he would be caught up in the rivalry between Kentucky and Louisville, but that's exactly where he finds himself today.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound prospect from Longwood (Fla.) Lyman has offers from both schools plus Rutgers, South Florida, Rutgers, Iowa State and Southern Miss, with the Cats and Cards both apparently making him a big recruiting priority.

It's easy to understand why. Already solid in build, Firios has been clocked at 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash and has the look of an SEC linebacker.

"I've been in contact with coach (Chad) Scott on Twitter and we've been going back and forth," Firios said. "I was planning on making a trip there unofficially over the summer, probably sometime in June. I don't know exactly when yet, though."

Firios said he's become a little bit more familiar with Kentucky since the Wildcats offered.

"I know they're pretty serious about their football," he said. "I didn't know that before. Their fans are pretty serious. That makes it fun, especially when you have an offer from Louisville, too.

"They're huge rivals and that's always fun. I didn't know how serious it was, though. (Kentucky has) a really big fan base. The rivalry is something I've picked up on. I wouldn't call it a beef but it's a huge rivalry. Some of them make it really personal almost. I think it's cool, though.

"I've watched both of them on TV and they're both great programs. I've got to see them both for myself. It's really cool to be from a completely different state and have two schools that are big rivals recruiting you."

Firios said he will visit both Kentucky and Louisville whenever he makes it to the state this summer.

He has already been active visiting schools but he hasn't left the state.

"Recently I visited USF for their junior day and that was about a month and a half ago," he said. "Also, I visited UCF three weeks ago."

No schools stand out to Firios but he did drop a hint that could give an indication of what he's thinking.

"I wouldn't say I have any favorites but I'm excited to see what Louisville and Kentucky have," he said. "Those are two big schools and I'm excited to see what they have to offer."

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1493913