Interest in McBride picking up

When people hear class of 2016 prospect from Hannibal (Mo.) most initially think of offensive lineman Dylan Powell. He is not the only high level prospect from Hannibal, however. A town of 17,000 inhabitants that lies along the Mississippi River 115 miles north of St. Louis.

Wide receiver/defensive back/kick returner Jerry McBride is also drawing heavy interest from Power Five schools after a strong junior season.

"I'm hearing a lot from Indiana, Purdue and Iowa State. All the schools recruiting me see me in the secondary and some see me as a return specialist too," McBride said. "Iowa State invited me to their junior day today. Indiana and Purdue have told me that I will get invites once they start sending them out."

McBride is also receiving varying degrees of interest from Northwestern, Missouri, Nebraska, Louisville and Oregon. As of now, though, the Hoosiers, Boilermakers and Cyclones stand out.

"I'm mostly focused on those three schools. I've visited Indiana and Purdue. I got invited to visit Iowa State, but never got the chance to make it up there. I feel like I'm close to offers from each. Hopefully it'll happen this spring," explained McBride.

The in-state Missouri Tigers have been in contact with McBride, but at this point it has not been on the level of his top schools.

"I get letters from Mizzou, but that's about it," he said. "If they started to express more interest I would definitely be interested in playing for my home state school. That would be awesome."

When offers start to roll in for McBride a commitment will not be imminent. In fact, he plans to take his time and decide on a school around signing day 2016. Despite that, he is starting to consider what he wants in his future school.

"I want a program that dedicates themselves to the weight room. That dedicates themselves to winning week in and week out. Always trying to get better. Academically, I want a school that will really help me be successful after college," said McBride.

Another factor that plays into McBride's decision can only be capitalized on by one school. McBride's father played at Indiana and according to McBride that legacy will impact his choice a lot.

Between now and his senior year, the 6-foot, 188 pound prospect will continue to prepare himself to have the best season possible.

"I've been working to improve already. I've been getting my speed up and I've added some weight. I'm going to camp with a lot of schools this summer. I'm going to show them how much I've improved," explained McBride. "I'm trying to become more of a leader for my team. I know they look up to me and need someone to follow for this next year. My senior year."