Elkins plans to stay in the state of Florida

The state of Florida is a hotbed for talented football players. Kevin Elkins, a 2012 linebacker from Palm Bay high school, is a very talented athlete and even more importantly, he has his head in the right place when it comes to picking the right school for him.

"Academics are the most important thing to me. Football is always second. Academics are necessary for life and to better myself. Also, I just want to go somewhere that the coaches, players and staff all get along. Hospitality is a big deal to me, not just within the school, but the within my teammates as well."

The 5-foot-11, 195 pound linebacker hasn't taken any visits lately, but he has an idea of where he wants to continue his education. Although he doesn't have any offers at the moment, he expects an offer to come shortly.

"The school I attend will have great academics, a solid coaching staff and just a place with good people around the program. South Florida, Central Florida, Florida International and Indiana have all been in contact with me. I am very open at the moment, but I do know that I would like to stay in Florida. I love this state and this is my hometown. I definitely think that Florida International is close to offering. With Central Florida and the other Florida schools, I grew up watching them and that's why I want to play for them. My coach, Dan Burke, is a UCF alumni, so that would be fun to play where he went."

With the state of Florida having so much football talent, it is difficult to separate yourself from the pack. Elkins says that instincts are what separate him from the other linebackers in the state.

"I have great instincts and read the field well. I led the team with 4 interceptions, which is rare for a linebacker. I also feel I have very good ball skills for a linebacker. I usually can see where the quarterback is going before he makes the throw."

While trying to get his name out there, Elkins performed in the Orlando Nike Sparq combine and was one of the top linebackers at the camp.

"I scored a 73.86 for the combine and was ranked in the top 10 for linebackers at the entire camp. I threw the power ball 35 feet, had a 4.46 in the shuttle and my vertical was 31 inches. I was happy with how I performed, but I also realized that I am far from my goals. I have room to improve and work every day to reach my goals."

Elkins had a solid junior season where he racked up 4 interceptions, 7 sacks, 30 tackles for a loss, and 103 total tackles, but he has much bigger goals for his final high school season.

"My first goal is the game against Dwyer in the spring. Last year they had Nick O'Leary and Jacoby Brisset, which was a major reason that they beat us in the playoffs. I would love to get back at them and get the win to start my senior season. After that, we will continue to do our thing and get some wins."

Carlos Dunlap, the former defensive end for the Florida Gators, had a standout career in Gainesville, en route to being picked in the NFL Draft. Elkins loves his style of play and models his game after the former Gator.

"I model my game after Dunlap. He is a hybrid defensive end and linebacker and that is what I play. I play linebacker, but I come off the edge a lot, just like him. He is extremely athletic and can move all around the field and I feel I can do the same. I love how fast he plays. His tempo is always up. If we are in the 4th quarter and we are up 40, I will still be going hard, as I know he would do the same."