On the field, Hillsborough QB Tarean Austin is putting up terrific numbers. Off of it, he’s a wanted man.

And right now it looks as if one college is a little out in front.

“USF probably is his No. 1 right now,” Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia said. “Michigan State and Iowa State would be next if I were ranking them.”

Some local players are wrapping up the recruiting process; Austin is really just getting started.

He has yet to take an official visit -- even though he has about 30 scholarship offers. Because the 6-foot-3, 210-pound Austin is playing so well (1,543 yards, 16 TDs), more offers are expected, and that‘s likely why he‘s taking his time.

“After the way he played (Friday night in a loss to Armwood), he’s going to get a lot more offers,” Garcia said. “I think he was 21 of 39 for 301 yards and two TD passes against a great defense.”

--KEITH NIEBUHR (kniebuhr@sptimes.com)