TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Terriers' Grace Commits To FIU

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 14, 2008

Hillsborough High senior free safety Chuck Grace committed to Florida International on Sunday.

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Grace, a Tampa Tribune All-Hillsborough County first-team selection, visited the school over the weekend and said it was a perfect fit.

"I just felt real comfortable," Grace said. "It felt like Tampa. It felt like home."

During the season, Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia said Grace was one of the hardest hitters in the county. Grace, who finished the season with 54 tackles and two interceptions, said that's what the FIU coaches liked most about him. Grace said the FIU coaches also asked if he would play punt and kick returner. Grace proved he can run with the ball during the East vs. West Senior All-Star game at Raymond James Stadium, where he led the West to victory with two rushing touchdowns.

Grace said he hopes to take a few snaps at running back at FIU, but hasn't asked the coaches yet.

POPEK TO USF: Plant City senior offensive lineman Mark Popek has verbally committed to the University of South Florida.

The 6-foot-7, 300-pound Popek, a Tribune All-Hillsborough County first-team selection this season, chose the Bulls over offers from Vanderbilt and Illinois.

"We're extremely happy for him," Plant City coach Kevin Kelley said. "It's a good fit for him."

GAITHER GEARING UP FOR VISITS: Nearly a handful of Gaither players will be crisscrossing the country in upcoming weeks, checking out various colleges.

Four Cowboys players have visits scheduled, including defensive back Zach Henderson and offensive lineman Spencer Cavalieri.

Henderson, who was fourth on the team with 75 tackles and third with two interceptions, has visits scheduled to Stonehill College and Elon University. Cavalieri will be visiting Marist College.

Kicker Nick Cattoi won't be going too far. Cattoi has a visit scheduled with the University of Central Florida. One of Hillsborough County's top kickers this past season, Cattoi was 6 of 13 on field goals in the regular season, including a long of 47 yards.

Kornilous Donnell, who led the Cowboys in receiving, will visit Eastern Kentucky and Illinois State.

SMITH SETS DATE: One thing is for certain: Armwood running back Eric Smith has set a date to announce his college commitment. Where exactly Smith is headed is still up in the air.

Smith, a Tribune All-Hillsborough County first team selection this season, said Sunday night he will make his announcement Jan. 19 during an afternoon news conference at a Beef O'Brady's near Armwood. Smith will choose between his two finalists, Clemson and Auburn.

The bruising running back, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards as a senior in leading the Hawks to the Class 4A state semifinals, took his official visit to Auburn over the weekend. He previously visited Clemson in November.

OTTANELLI STILL SEARCHING: Although 6-foot-4, 270-pound Blake senior lineman Vittorio Ottanelli said he enjoyed his visit to Florida International this past weekend and his visit to Elon the week before, he is still undecided. Ottanelli said he will make an official visit to Colgate this weekend.

ILLINOIS ROOMIES: Days ago, former Chamberlain receiver Fred Sykes left for the University of Illinois, where he planned to enroll early. In December, former Hillsborough High star and Florida receiver/athlete Jarred Fayson announced he would transfer to Illinois. According to Chamberlain receivers coach Hansford Johnson, the two are now roommates.

Katherine Smith, Nick Williams, Adam Adkins

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT