Quinn latest Patriot DE on colleges' wish lists

For the second consecutive year, a Fort Dorchester football player will be the focus of an intense recruiting battle.

Last year, it was defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who ended up signing with the national champion Florida Gators.

This year, it will be Robert Quinn, another defensive end who is considered to be one of the nation's best.

Just how intense will the battle be?

Quinn and his father, James, traveled to Auburn and Alabama for unofficial visits over the summer. When Alabama's Nick Saban found out Quinn was in Tuscaloosa, the coach and his mother flew in from vacation to talk to Quinn. Saban's also traveled to the Fort to talk to Quinn, one of the top players at his position in the country.

"Nick Saban loves Robert," Fort Dorchester coach Steve LaPrad said. "He just loves him. Coach Saban likes speed and power, and that's what Robert has.

Robert Quinn is almost a freak of nature. He's 6-foot-5, is up to 260 pounds and has the speed to play running back.

"I think just about every major college coach has come through and they all say he's the best looking athlete in the state," LaPrad said. "He's a specimen. He weighs 260 pounds and I think he has seven or eight percent body fat. He's scary looking. Opposing players will look up and say, 'Oh no.' "

One college coach will say 'Yes!' when Quinn commits and follows it up by signing in February. He's currently considering Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Maryland, North Carolina, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech. Quinn and his family made several visits to schools this summer and will soon pare the list down after visiting North Carolina this month.

Quinn will put a lot of thought into his decision.

"I don't want to drop any of the schools off my list until I make all the visits," he said. "Education is important, and getting a good degree is important. I want to go to a place that has a family atmosphere. And, I want a chance to play early."

Quinn showed promise his sophomore season as a linebacker and made a smooth transition to defensive end. He had 89 tackles last fall and recorded 11 sacks.

Don't be surprised if Quinn moves inside some this fall and plays defensive tackle.

"He could play just about anywhere," LaPrad said. "He could play running back."

Quinn also is an accomplished wrestler. He won the state title in the 285-pound weight class the past two years.

Now, he's ready for a big senior season and the intense recruiting battle, and he won't forget the advice Dunlap gave him.

"He told me to not let the pressure bother me," Quinn said. "He told me to not let a coach or anybody put too much pressure on me. That's good advice."

Quinn has moved from linebacker to defensive end at the high school level.

LaPrad thinks Quinn could increase his weigh to 275 in college and play defensive tackle.

"He's special regardless of what position he plays," LaPrad said.

Philip M. Bowman can be reached at 937-5592 or at pbowman@postandcourier.com.