Leto's Deering chooses Rutgers over Florida State

Jeremy Deering was going to burst somebody's bubble.

He surprisingly popped Florida State's.

The Leto High senior running back announced his verbal commitment to Rutgers during Tuesday's 6 p.m. newscast on News Channel 8. He chose the Scarlet Knights over the Seminoles.

The 6-foot-2, 206-pound Deering will sign his letter of intent to Rutgers on Thursday during a ceremony at Leto.

"I felt like it was the place for me and the best offer," Deering said. "I feel like I'll get the most playing time there my first year."

Florida State, with its hard sell from head coach Jimbo Fisher, had the early inside track for Deering's services. In fact, when Deering and his head coach Hugh Dehnert broke down the pros and cons for FSU and Rutgers, the Seminoles had less drawbacks.

But Rutgers did a better job of laying out Deering's future in college football. The coaches have told him he will play receiver.

Deering led the Falcons in rushing the past three seasons, compiling more than 1,000 all-purpose yards in each of those seasons. His combination of speed and strength, as well as his versatility on the field, led to his designation as one of the top prospects in the Bay area.

At the height of his recruitment, Deering received nearly 30 Division I offers, which he eventually narrowed down to five. In addition to FSU and Rutgers, Deering also took official visits to Florida, Illinois and Purdue.

"I knew Jeremy was a special player the first time I had him in a drill." Dehnert said. "He's been a very low maintenance player to have in our program. In terms of his athleticism, he has the ability to sink his hips, change directions and accelerate like a smaller guy.

"I think he can play at several positions. He can play wide receiver, running back and any of the defensive back position. With his frame he could put on 30 pounds and play linebacker because he's very physical."