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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

James To Sign With Bethune-Cookman

Plant receiver Kevin James thought he was going to be a preferred walk-on at Division I-AA Bethune-Cookman University. The paperwork the school sent him said otherwise.

James received a full scholarship offer to play at Bethune-Cookman, and he will join the rest of his Panthers teammates at today's National Signing Day ceremony.

James was Plant's third-leading receiver last season with 36 receptions for 675 yards and seven touchdowns.

BASEBALL: Jesuit juniors Nick Lockwood and Jimmy Falla have verbally committed to South Florida, Tigers coach Richie Warren confirmed Tuesday, while Jefferson junior SS/P Chad Taylor also has verbally committed to the Bulls, Dragons coach Pop Cuesta said.

Both Lockwood, an infielder, and Falla, an outfielder, are expected to play big roles for the Tigers this season.

Lockwood moved into the starting lineup about eight games into last season, playing at second base. He hit .323 with 33 runs scored and eight RBIs. He will move to shortstop this season, Warren said. Lockwood will have a chance to play with his older brother, Ryan, a former Tigers standout outfielder who signed with Florida out of high school but has since transferred to USF.

Falla appeared in 30 games last season with the Tigers, hitting .286 with five doubles, a home run and 21 RBIs. Warren said Falla had a breakout summer, and was garnering attention from a slew of Division I programs.

Taylor, who helped the Dragons reach a Class 5A regional final last season, committed to the Bulls about a week ago, Cuesta said, and the longtime Jefferson coach thinks USF is a good fit for one of his best young players.

"It's a good fit for him," Cuesta said. "At this point, he doesn't have to worry about [the recruiting process] anymore, and now he can just concentrate on getting better."

FOOTBALL: As it turns out, Plant City offensive lineman Mark Popek won't be the only Raiders player signing today on National Signing Day. Senior running back Keith Dawson is joining in on the festivities, too.

Popek is scheduled to sign with the University of South Florida, while Dawson, who rushed for 757 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior, is staying in state to attend Jacksonville. Both are set to sign today at 9 a.m.

Chamberlain defensive back Deven Persaud said Tuesday he has committed to Elon.

Persaud, who also received interest from New Hampshire, played running back and safety for the Chiefs. The Tribune All-County second-team selection rushed 50 times for 239 yards and two TDs, and had 82 tackles and four picks.

Eight Hillsborough High players committed Monday.

Terriers RB Iziah Wyche committed to Webber International, while DB Erik Fennell, DL Mike Carter, OL Willie Francis, OL Antonio McKay, DL Mario Gallon, DB Dan Mosquera and LB Zaki Grier committed to the College of the Siskiyous, a junior college in California.

Land O' Lakes linemen Raleigh Bamberg and Joe Robinson will sign to play for Nebraska's Wayne State College today.

Bamberg, a left guard, has anchored the Gators' offensive line for the past three seasons since transferring from Lakeland Lake Gibson. Robinson, a defensive lineman, was the team's third-leading tackler (57), tied for second with three sacks and collected three hurries.

VOLLEYBALL: Plant sophomore Maddie Martin has been named an All-American by PrepVolleyball.com. Martin was named a highest honorable mention after leading the state-champion Panthers in kills with 308 to go with 196 digs and 86 aces. She was also named a finalist for the PrepVolleyball.com National Sophomore of the Year Award.

Adam Adkins, Nick Williams, Katherine Smith, Eddie Daniels

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