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Murrysville (Pa.) Franklin Regional coach Greg Botta has had his fair share of standout offensive linemen. But Sean Hickey, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound senior offensive tackle, may be the best he's coached.

"(Hickey is) one of those special kids that comes around every three to five years," Botta said. "I had a kid (John Malecki) who's starting for Pitt now on the offensive line. I have one at Ohio University (A.J. Strum), and (Hickey) is as good as they come. He has everything he needs to be successful at the next level: size, strength, tenacity and a real love of the game."

Hickey has earned scholarship offers from Illinois, Boston College, Syracuse, Eastern Michigan, Marshall and Ohio. Though he has an impressive frame, his quick feet (he runs a 5.2-second 40-yard dash) and athleticism solidifies him as a top prospect.

"That's why (the Illinois) staff fell in love with him," Botta said. "It's not just ab­­­out how big he is­, but about how well he moves."

Hickey visited Champaign-Urbana this summer and met with the Illini coaching staff. Illinois is recruiting Hickey as an offensive tackle.

"He has everything they need or want in a player," Botta said. "He loves the game. He knows the game. He fell in love with Illinois when he went there, and I think it's a mutual attraction between both Illinois and Sean."

Hickey would like to make a verbal commitment before the high school season begins, Botta said. Franklin Regional begins full-padded practice today and kickoff the season with a Sept. 4 game.

"He wants to make a decision and concentrate on his last year of football," Botta said. "Definitely Illinois is one of the frontrunners. There's like three schools that are really high on him, that really want him bad that he has interest in. Illinois is right there at the top with the other ones."