Maurice Clarett has made a request for early release from prison. Ron O'Brien, who is the prosecutor in Franklin County, has recommended that the former star running back at Ohio State stay in prison as he has not presented a strong case that he should be released early.

Clarett wants to pursue a comeback to the NFL and says that he has been contacted by teams willing to employ the troubled star.

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and the Ohio Parole Board will have the final say-so in the matter but the recommendation by O'Brien will likely hinder his chances.

The AP reports:

Clarett's attorney, Percy Squire, says his client has an opportunity to play NFL, arena or Canadian professional football if he's released within the next few months. NFL teams have contacted Clarett in prison, but Squire wouldn't identify which teams.

Squire said that while March doesn't seem that far off, time is crucial for the 25-year-old Clarett.

"Whether he is permitted to go in the summer of 2009 versus the summer of 2010 can make a huge difference," Squire said.

"We're talking a matter of months here, but it could have a huge impact on his ability to pursue a livelihood. Waiting another year could basically eliminate any opportunity for him to ever play."

The Warren Harding prep star has been keeping a blog that he updates frequently and you can read what he has to say by heading to http://mauriceclarett.wordpress.com/.