Mitchell commits to FSU

Hillsborough senior Terrence Mitchell, the No. 5-ranked cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com, told the Tampa Tribune/TBO.com late Thursday night he has verbally committed to Florida State University.

"When I took my visit there last weekend, it just felt like home, a place I could see myself being the next four or five years," said the 5-foot-10, 165-pound Mitchell. "I got along with all the players, all the coaches and I love the school. It just feels right."

Mitchell, a four-year starter at safety for Hillsborough, had received scholarship offers from nearly every school in the Southeastern Conference but his final choice came down to Illinois, South Florida and FSU.

Mitchell said his decision was swayed partly by the upheaval at USF, including the dismissal of Bulls coach Jim Leavitt. But in the end, Mitchell said the advantages the Seminoles held for him were more than enough to lure him to Tallahassee.

"You could say that [Leavitt's firing at USF] had something to do with my decision but more than anything, I just wanted FSU more than the other schools," Mitchell said.

Mitchell, who is fully qualified academically, said another factor working in the Seminoles' favor was the fact they want him to run track. FSU is a three-time national champion in track under former USF track coach Bob Braman and Mitchell has been one of the state's long jumpers the past three years. Last year, he was the Class 3A state finals runner-up in both the long and triple jumps, as well as fifth in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles. He's also one of the area's top sprinters in the 100-meter dash with a personal best of 10.59 seconds.

With the commitment of Mitchell, FSU's 2010 recruiting class is gaining serious momentum. The Seminoles have also received commitments from defensive backs Lamarcus Joyner of Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and junior college transfer Michael Harris.

Although Mitchell has always played safety for the Terriers, he is projected to be a cornerback in college. His speed also makes him a strong candidate to return kickoffs or punts.