Canes recruit McCaskill ready to lead Bulls

The Northwestern football team lost 41 seniors to graduation since being crowned mythical National champions last season, but the Bulls don't rebuild they reload.

For 2008, Northwestern returns with a talented group of seniors ready to defend its back-to-back state championships.

One of the most talented members of the defense is safety Tevin McCaskill.

McCaskill, third on The Miami Herald's top 25 players in Miami-Dade, has received offers from Miami, Florida, South Florida and Clemson, but still has not made up his mind on where he'll play his college ball.

McCaskill grew up a Hurricanes fans, but says that won't influence his decision.

''It's not about what I want, it's about what school really wants me,'' McCaskill said. ``So I can make it to the next level and make it to the pros.''

The 6-2, 185-pound senior recorded 25 tackles, three interceptions and blocked a punt last season. Of his three picks, arguably none was bigger than his last-minute interception on national television against Texas' Southlake Carroll.

McCaskill intercepted Carroll quarterback Riley Dodge late in the fourth quarter to seal the Bulls' 29-21 win and help the team lock up the No. 1 spot in the country.

''[McCaskill] brings two years experience and is an exceptional athlete,'' Northwestern coach Billy Rolle said. ``He can play all the defensive back positions -- outside of taking care of himself he's got to be helping the younger guys perform at a higher level.''

McCaskill, who runs a 4.3 second 40-yard dash and can max out at 225 on the bench press, seems to echo his coach's feelings.

''I want to work hard and let my team know I can be a leader,'' McCaskill said. ``I want to show them that hard work pays off, and we can get another [state championship].''

Nationally, McCaskill has been getting attention from different recruiting websites. Scout.com currently grades him as a three-star prospect and ranks him as the 34th best safety in the class of 2009. Scout also has McCaskill on the ESPN Class of 2009 top 150 players watch list.

Rivals.com rates McCaskill as a 5.9, which according to their website means, he's an All-American Candidate, a high-major prospect, one of the nation's top 300 prospects and deemed to have pro potential.