Schools eyeing Toombs this year

Big men are a dying breed nowadays in the college game. And big men standing over 6-foot-10 are an ever-shrinking breed. That's why college recruiters are taking long looks at guys like Bernard Toombs, a 6-foot-10, 200-pound center from Columbus (Ga.) Spencer High School. In fact, the nation's number one team have traveled to the Peach State to see the class of 2006 prospect this season amongst others.

Not a big threat on the offensive end, Toombs has found his niche on Spencer's team. He uses his long arms to clog the lane and make the opposition think twice about coming into the paint.

"I'm just basically defending and blocking shots," Toombs said. "That's basically what my team needs from me."

For the season, Toombs is putting in a modest 9.3 points, eight rebounds and five blocks per game this year for his 19-8 team as they head into the first round of the state playoffs this weekend. Toombs feels like he's improved on both ends of the floor.

"From the first game to now, I feel like I'm getting that touch like I had as a freshman," Toombs said. "As the season goes along, I'm was more of a double-double guy."

"Recruiting is going well. Illinois came to my school to see me practice and Miami came out to a game this year," Toombs said. "That's gone over pretty well with me. I like the fact that they are interested enough to come and see me play."

Charlotte, a school that Toombs said was his favorite back in the fall, is also in the picture. He visited the Charlotte this season and took in a 49ers game. Bobby Lutz and his coaching staff have maintained their recruitment with the long and slender big man.

"They are still writing and mailing me things," Toombs said. "They are letting me know that they are interested."

Toombs said he's also heard from Georgia Tech and Alabama this year as well.