Signing Day: Gaither's Hannah picks Cincinnati

After a whirlwind recruiting process that saw his offers snowball to a dozen, Gaither High defensive lineman Chad Hannah chose Cincinnati. He made the announcement Wednesday during the school's Signing Day ceremony.

With offers from nearly every Big East team, including USF, Hannah narrowed his choices to Cincinnati and Rutgers. The recent blizzard in the Northeast helped to steer him away from Rutgers.

Hannah led a strong defensive unit for the Cowboys this past season.

Fellow Gaither offensive linemen Vasilios Nenos signed with Jacksonville University.

Gaither's Trevor Scott, in only his second year as the Cowboys head girls soccer coach, but the two he is sending onto the next level this year are special. Lauren Moore signed with the University of Tampa and Carly Cepelak signed with Lincoln Memorial University. Both have played a big role in helping the Cowboys reach the regional finals. They face Seminole Friday night for a trip to state.

"I'm so impressed with these two," Scott said. "I came into the program last season and I looked at these two and I said "let's go."

Katherine Smith

JESUIT: 7:30 a.m.

TAMPA -- Anthony Harrell got something of a surprise Tuesday afternoon - a phone call from Georgia Tech.

All along Georgia Tech had been the Jesuit senior's frontrunner, but there was no offer. That meant Harrell went with his next choice by verbally committing to Wake Forest.

Then, at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Georgia Tech called.

"I got home, thought about it for like three hours and was like, 'Come on guys ... it's Georgia Tech,'" Harrell said Wednesday morning after signing his national letter-of-intent to play football for the Yellow Jackets. "They're well-known, great program, a winning tradition up there. I just want to be a part of that."

Scott also had quite a dilemma on his hands when he decided which university he would attend.

The senior could either stay home in Tampa or head to San Antonio, Texas to be near his grandparents at Trinity University.

"Most of my family lives over in Texas, so it was a pretty tough decision," Scott said. "Up until last week, it was a dogfight trying to figure out if I was going to go live with the family over in Texas or if I was going to stay home."

Scott decided he'd stay in Tampa and run for the University of Tampa cross country team.

"(The University of Tampa) had more of the things I wanted to do," Scott explained. "I want to give back to Jesuit High School as much as I can while I'm at UT and afterwards."

He now is waiting to find out if he has been accepted to participate in the UT athletic training program. If not, he said he'll go into sports management.

Eddie Daniels

SICKLES: 7:30 a.m.

TAMPA -- Running back Cary White wanted to keep everyone in suspense. He came to school on Wednesday morning carrying caps from Florida Atlantic and Florida International, plus a red towel from Western Kentucky.

"I've gone back and forth, back and forth,'' said White, a 5-foot-8, 205-pound running back.

After putting the WKU towel away, then momentarily donning the FIU cap, White finally revealed his decision. He's going to Florida Atlantic, where he will play for legendary Coach Howard Schnellenberger.

"I really did like Western Kentucky, but it came down to staying in the state, close to family and friends,'' said White, who rushed for 1,128 yards and five touchdowns, after leading Hillsborough County in rushing as a junior in 2009. "Florida Atlantic had the best offense for me (pro-style with a tailback).''

White and Sickles quarterback John Hendrick, who affirmed his commitment to the Naval Academy, were saluted with a cake (with an "FAU/N'' decoration) from the school's Culinary Institute. White is in that program and actually helped design the marble cake with whipped icing.

"It's a day to celebrate,'' Sickles coach Brian Turner said. "These are two great kids who have great futures ahead of them. Some coaches kind of crossed off Cary because of his size (5-8), but you watch, he's going to be very, very productive.''

Joey Johnston

TAMPA CATHOLIC: 8 a.m.

TAMPA -- Courtney Welch knew she was home during her official visit to Stetson University - both on the soccer field and on the stage.

Welch, one of Hillsborough County's top defenders, signed her letter of intent with Stetson during a ceremony at Tampa Catholic in the gymnasium before school started. Welch picked Stetson because the school will give her the opportunity to participate in her two loves - soccer and singing.

"Right when I went to Stetson, I knew it was the one," Welch said. "They were so humble and they made me feel like a part of the team. They also worked with my schedule so I can play soccer and still sing."

Welch plans on majoring in vocal performance and after school she'd like to pursue a career in either opera or on Broadway. As adept on the stage singing as she is on the soccer field, the Tampa Catholic senior began seriously pursuing a singing career in the eighth grade when she joined the Tampa Bay Children's Choir. She's also a founding member of her school's Glee Club.

"I like making people smile or shed a tear through singing," she said.

Katherine Smith

ROBINSON: 8:30 a.m.

TAMPA -- The biggest signing class to come out of Robinson made it official in the school's auditorium as six football players -- Marqus Baker (Buffalo), Ruben Gonzalez (South Florida), Frankie Williams (Purdue), Richie Reay (Florida International), Blake Rice (Elon) and Tevin Newman (New Mexico) -- penned their names on national letters of intent.

"Our program is in a good place and today helps show that,'' Robinson coach Mike DePue said. "The best news is that we'll have five or six more players signing, as well. We just have to see how things shake out for those guys.''

One of the biggest questions heading into Wednesday was where running back/defensive back J.J. Hubbard would end up. Western Kentucky pulled its offer when Hubbard wavered and now Hubbard is weighing his options.

Two of the higher profile players, Gonzalez and Williams, joked of how Williams tried to recruit Gonzalez to Purdue, a school that was also on Gonzalez's short list.

"I think (Williams) will be a great recruiter one day,'' Gonzalez said. "But as good as he was, I wanted to stay closer to home.''

Williams said the deciding factor for him was Purdue's high educational standards, though he did voice a little concern about moving to the cold climate.

"I'm not going to joke about it when I say the cold was something I thought about,'' Williams said. "(Purdue) told me they would supply the cold-weather gear so that makes me feel better.''

Scott Purks

ALONSO: 9 a.m.

TAMPA -- From the moment Anthony Chickillo walked through the door of the media center, his decision was clear.

With a big grin, Chickillo sported his green and white University of Miami hat. On the back - in orange threading - was the phrase "3G" and "Third Generation" symbolizing him as the third generation of Chickillo to play football for the Hurricanes. His grandfather, Nick, played 1950-52 and Anthony's father, Tony, played from 1978-82.

"I originally committed to Miami (on) Sept. 9 and when Coach (Randy) Shannon got fired, I didn't know who was going to become the head coach," Chickillo said. "But Coach (Al) Golden has come in and put together this tremendous staff. We're going to do a lot of special things. I just can't wait to get down there and start working."

Also signing were Matt Brandy (Baseball, St. Pete College), Elena Atenza (soccer, Polk State College), Kati Schafer (soccer, University of North Florida), Tyree Clark (football, University of Connecticut).

For years, Atenza watched as schoolmates inked their names to play college sports on National Signing Day.

Wednesday, Atenza, a senior at Alonso, got her opportunity.

"It's just been something to look forward to throughout high school," she said, sporting a yellow Polk State College T-shirt. "I've seen everybody else sign and I finally got to do it, so it's just cool."

Atenza, a sweeper for the Ravens, will play soccer for Polk State College in Winter Haven.

As for getting rest Tuesday night, her nerves just wouldn't let her.

"I didn't sleep that much honestly," Atenza said laughing. "I was up really late last night and I woke up early this morning.

"It's like a big stress relief. It feels good to know everything is taken care of and now I can do well the rest of the (school year) and not have to worry about getting in anywhere. I'm already set and ready to go."

Eddie Daniels

WESLEY CHAPEL: 9 a.m.

WESLEY CHAPEL -- Even as a Pop Warner all-star, Hunter Joyer knew he wanted to play fullback for the University of Florida.

Well, now Joyer will do just that as he signed with the Gators on Wednesday morning.

"(Florida) is definitely the best place for me to get prepared for the rest of my life and continue my education," Joyer said.

Joyer, who recently transferred from Tampa Catholic back to Wesley Chapel, where he went his freshman and sophomore years, to graduate with childhood friends and for family financial logistics, rushed 84 times for a team-high 496 yards and five touchdowns for the 5-6 Crusaders. He also wasn't worried when former Florida coach Urban Meyer announced his retirement after the 2010 season and the Gators named Will Muschamp his successor.

No matter the coach, Joyer wanted to be a Gator for life.

"I spoke with (Muschamp) and he told me just to stick in there and that there would still be a spot for me and I shouldn't jump ship," Joyer said. "Trust me, I wasn't going anywhere because I've wanted this since I was a little kid. It's a dream come true."

Mike Camunas

STEINBRENNER: 9 a.m.

LUTZ -- Wide receiver Tobi Antigha became the Warriors' first athlete to receive a football scholarship when he signed with Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. Antigha (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) had 28 receptions for 571 yards and seven touchdowns.

Antigha said Presbyterian discovered him during practices for December's Hillsborough County All-Star Game at Raymond James Stadium.

Presbyterian, a Football Championship Subdivision School from the Big South Conference, was 2-9 last season.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be the first,'' Antigha said. "I know there will be many, many more to come from this school. Everything about Steinbrenner football was great, getting the program off the ground and being part of the beginning. Now I'm starting off fresh and I'm excited about the future.''

Other Steinbrenner athletes to sign included softball player Jenna Figueredo (St. Petersburg College) and girls soccer players Carly Keene (University of Tampa) and Marissa Maries (Florida Southern College).

Joey Johnston

KING: 9:30 a.m.

TAMPA -- The mood on campus this week has been somber, at best, as students mourned the murder of classmate Calyx Schenecker. So principal Carla Bruning welcomed the opportunity to focus on something positive.

King's media center was filled with one of its largest signing classes. There were six football players, two baseball players and one volleyball player proudly posing for photos with family, friends and coaches before signing their letters of intent to colleges around the country.

"In the midst of all the negative and painful publicity we've had over the last couple of days, it's such an honor to celebrate such a happy occasion," Bruning said. "We are honored to celebrate the performances of our athletes both on and off the field."

Defensive end John Kelley (Henderson State), offensive lineman Mike Moore (Stillman College), offensive lineman Kylan Blackmon (William Penn), linebacker Darrell Baker (Lincoln), wide receiver Reese Sturgis (Stillman) and defensive tackle Joe Lewis (Rochester Community & Technical College) represented a senior class that helped the Lions football program return to prominence.

"We're a big boy football program now," King football coach Alvin Davis said. "These boys stuck here and they could have gone somewhere else. They always said "coach, I'm a Lion til I die."

Baseball coach John Macaluso, one of the longest tenured coaches in Hillsborough County, beamed with pride in introducing his players Devin Smith (USF) and Javaris Reynolds (State College of Florida Manatee).

"One of the reasons I stay in coaching is because of days like these," Macaluso said.
And volleyball player JoHanna Ray, who only began playing the sport last year, had two coaches on hand for her signing - her high school coach Cookie Mitchell and her Polk State College coach Ruth Ann Rogers.

Katherine Smith

PASCO: 9:30 a.m.

DADE CITY -- The ceremony was a little late starting, only because a bigger room had to be found to handle the large crowd that showed up to watch Jamie Byrd and Hakeeme Ishmar sign. Byrd, a defensive back, signed with Texas Christian while Ishmar, who played a number of positions, is headed to Florida Atlantic.

Athletic director Jim Ward told the crowd this group of seniors is the most decorated in school history - winning four district titles, three conference crowns and a regional championship (2008).

Ishmar has been set on FAU for awhile, but Byrd made a last-minute switch from Boise State to TCU. Byrd said TCU's entry into the Big East Conference had a lot to do with the change.

Rick Harmon

Armwood

After a rush of final visits to college campuses both close to home and more than 1,300 miles away, Armwood quarterback Josh Grady has chosen Vanderbilt as the place he wants to continue his football career.

Grady, who last fall passed for more than 2,100 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for another 830 yards and 14 TDs, had more than a dozen Division-I offers. His finalists were Iowa State, South Florida, Wake Forest and Vanderbilt and Grady made visits to all four of those schools last month. All but USF, who recruited Grady as a defensive back, were seeking him as a quarterback.

Grady, an honors student at Armwood, said he is likely seeking a pre-medical course of studies during his early years in college.

"At the end of the day, academics is what's going to cary you. Football is going to end one day. You always have to have that backup plan. I'm 5-11 and I know that I'm probably not going to play in the NFL so the degree is going to be more important and with Vanderbilt, I believe I can't go wrong in that regard."

With Grady under center the past two seasons, the Hawks were 27-3, including this year's 14-1 record. Armwood's lone setback this season was a 17-14, last-minute loss to Tallahassee Lincoln in the Class 4A state championship game in Orlando.

Other Hawks football players to sign Wednesday include defensive lineman David Tinsley (Delaware), offensive lineman Kevin Williams (Bethune-Cookman) and linebacker Harvellio Buie (New Mexico).

Bill Ward

MIDDLETON: 10 a.m.

TAMPA -- Middleton defensive end Demetre Taylor made Eastern Illinois his official choice on Wednesday, but partly because the school also offered him a chance to play baseball. Taylor, a first baseman who may get drafted relatively high in June's Major League Baseball draft, said he'll wait to see how the baseball season goes and then weigh his options one more time.

"The thing is, I love both sports and I want to play both," Taylor said. "We'll see how it goes."

Taylor's brother, safety John Taylor, signed with Iowa's NAIA Waldorf College along with linebacker Anthony McLeod.

"I'll miss my brother," John Taylor said. "We spent all these years together so I'll definitely miss him. But of course I wish him the best."

For coach Jason Stokes, who is moving next year to Gaither, it was a proud moment.

"I remember when I first saw these guys and it's great to think of how far they've come to reach today," Stokes said.

Scott Purks

TAMPA BAY TECH: 10 a.m.

TAMPA -- Tampa Bay Tech's Batman and Robin tandem will continue playing together for at least one more year.

Defensive lineman Josh Smith and linebacker Tim Stewart, who have adopted the above moniker, were among three Titans players to sign a National Letter-of-Intent Wednesday. The pair is headed to Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, but hoping the stop is just a brief one before moving on to big-time college football.

Both Smith and Stewart expressed their desire to focus hard on their academics while at Hutchison, a point Titans coach C.C. Culpepper stressed during the morning signing ceremony at the school.

"I hope to get a chance to go to a big SEC program, so I'm going to bust my behind when I'm there," Smith said. "I'm definitely going to take school very seriously."

The third member of the Titans signing class was defensive lineman Edwin Thermidor, who is headed to Presbyterian College.

Presbyterian, located in Clinton, S.C., offered everything Thermidor was looking for - a secluded campus in a small town without a lot of distractions, but a program that also will give him a chance to play against some premier competition. Presbyterian has upcoming games scheduled against Clemson and Oklahoma.

"I'm very excited about that," Thermidor said. "Playing against those big schools will give me a chance to get some good exposure."

The trio brings the total number of Tampa Bay Tech players to move on to the college level over the last four years to 30, according to Culpepper.

Adam Adkins

JEFFERSON: 10 a.m.

TAMPA -- In the end, senior Quentin Williams stuck with the institution that made him feel wanted.

Despite a late surge of interest from a number of schools, Williams, who led Jefferson to its first state championship and an undefeated season at 15-0, officially signed with Bethune-Cookman College.

"I feel at home being a Wildcat," said Williams, who became the state's most prolific passer this past season, setting the state record for career and single season touchdowns and passing yards. "It's not about going to the big school, it's about where you feel comfortable. It's not about the shiny dime."

Williams said he'll have an opportunity to play early at BCC and hopes to lead the Division I-AA program to a national championship.

"I'm going to give them my all," he said. "Every time I meet an alum, they tell me I have to beat FAMU. FAMU is my new Hillsborough (high school)."

Prior to signing his letter-of-intent, Williams delivered an emotional speech to those in attendance. He broke down in tears as he thanked his family, friends and teammates for supporting his career.

"I want to thank my mom," he said, sobbing. "Without her, I don't think I would have made it. This means a lot to sign a letter of intent to go to college. A lot of people don't see the age of 18."

Williams wasn't the only athlete overcome with emotion. Rodney Mills, the cousin of slain Jefferson linebacker C.J. Mills, said he "did it for his brother." Mills, who had two interceptions in the Class 3A state title game, signed with Charleston Southern, a Football Championship Subdivision School.

Also signing for the Dragons was Ramik Wilson (Georgia), Delryn Wilson (Western Kentucky), Chris Moore (Cincinnati), Andre Davis (USF) and Rashad Dunnigan (Iowa Western).

Nick Williams

FREEDOM: 10 a.m.

TAMPA -- Flanked by three female student athletes, Freedom linebacker Keith Lewis donned an Ole Miss hat and signed his letter of intent to play for the Rebels.

Lewis joins Sarah Wolford (gymnastics, Iowa), Kaitlynn Pacholke (girls basketball, Jacksonville State) and Megan Paul (softball, Tampa) as the Patriots four signees.

"Today is a great day for me and my family and it means a lot to do this for them, especially after seeing my father all emotional," Lewis said. "Ole Miss just always seemed right. From the moment I was there, I knew that's where I was going to play."

Lewis was second on the team with 104 tackles, three sacks, a fumble recovery and had a blocked extra point for the 4-6 Patriots.

Wolford, Pacholke and Paul were all early commits thanks to outstanding performances in their sports. Wolford committed to Iowa in 2009 and finished finished third on bars at the State Championships, while Pacholke, a point guard, leads the 16-5 girls basketball team with 15.4 points per game going into today's 5A-9 district tournament.

Paul, a power hitter, led the Patriots softball team last season with a .463 average and 28 RBIs.

"I've played softball my entire life and it's great to continue to do so in college," Paul said. "It's great that we have signing day to show people that we're doing things through sports and inspires people to, one day, to the same."

Mike Camunas

BLAKE: 11 a.m.

TAMPA -- Centrell Austin, Jamal Gwinn and Andre Smith are one step closer to achieving childhood dreams after each signed their national letter-of-intent.

Austin will play football at Miles College in Alabama, Jamal Gwinn will play football at New Mexico Prep in Albuquerque and Andre Smith will play basketball at Winthrop University in South Carolina.

"This is something I always dreamed of," Austin said. "That's been my dream since I was a little kid to play college football underneath the bright lights on Saturdays."

For Gwinn, going to New Mexico Prep was partially a byproduct of a shoulder injury this past season, which only allowed him to play four games. Some of the opportunities he once had before the injury went away.

"I did kind of feel bad," Gwinn said of the colleges who shied away from him. "But still, the opportunities that I did get, everything happens for a reason."

Meanwhile, Smith said he fell in love with the Winthrop campus and community when he took his visit in September.

"My family, we had long talks and meetings and we knew we wanted to go to a school that first of all needed me and wanted me," said Smith, who is averaging 19 points per game. "Winthrop has a good academic situation and that's what we also took into consideration."

He'll also have to cope with being two states removed from family.

"I'm a momma's boy, I'll admit it," he said laughing, "but I have to grow up some day and it's going to help me grow up, I know that."

Eddie Daniels

GULF: 11:30 a.m.

NEW PORT RICHEY -- When Dani Schulman signed her women's soccer letter-of-intent with Florida Gulf Coast University, she becme the first girls soccer player at Gulf to sign with a Division I school.

"I knew when I saw her in middle school that she could play in college," Gulf coach Shari Schau said.

Gulf went 17-3-1 this season, the best in school history. Schulamn said she hopes to play sweeper in college.

Rick Harmon

HUDSON: 1 p.m.

SUNLAKE -- Gary Myrick didn't know where he was going to school next year until last Saturday. The Hudson senior had talked to a few schools but after a visit to Valdosta (Ga,) State, he immediately accepted the offer when it was made.

"I really liked the facilities and the weight room," Myrick said. "The coaches were nice and I got to hang out with some of the players."

As a junior, he was looking at Florida International but that fell through.

Rick Harmon

LAND O' LAKES: 1:10 p.m.

LAND O'LAKES -- The athletes sat behind a blue-cloth covered table, all of them smiling and laughing with each other. The signing class for Land O'Lakes was diverse, as well as deep.

Eight Gators in all signed letters of intent: Will Irwin (football, Wofford), T.J. Chamberlain (football, Wofford), Kody Parker (boys soccer, Tampa), Justin Lyles (boys soccer, Thomas), Morgan Crescent (girls soccer, Eckerd), Tara Marshall (girls soccer, Thomas) and Christopher Dotson (cross country, Lee).

Gators quarterback Stephen Weatherford also signed to play at Cincinnati, yet was not present, as the county's top passer (2,136 yards, 30 TD) graduated in December. Weatherford, along with Irwin (1,018 receiving yards, 18 TD) and Chamberlain helped lead the Gators to a 9-2 record.

"I know that Tampa, my alma mater," boys coach Mark Pearson said of Parker, "is getting a great player to continue it's tradition. I couldn't be happier about that."

Mike Camunas

RIVER RIDGE: 1:30 p.m.

NEW PORT RICHEY -- Jenny Karl knew she wanted to continue her career at the University of Tampa. But if she couldn't get a scholarship, it wasn't going to happen.

"I had played a lot of games there with my club team," said the River Ridge senior after signing with the Spartans. "I never thought I'd have the chance to go there because it's very expensive. Out of the blue, the (Tampa) coach (Gerry Lucey) found me and liked my play."

Karl looked at Florida Gulf Coast and Florida State and some out-of-state schools but she knew she wanted to be a Spartan.

Rick Harmon

<BRANDON: 2 p.m.

BRANDON -- Before they were teammates in high school, Darius Lee and Josh Celerin were already familiar with each other.

As opponents in the Tampa Bay Youth Football League, the two repeatedly tried to outperform one another.

"He'd score and then I'd score," Celerin said.

This season, the duo helped Brandon finish 9-2, one of the program's best records. Over the next four years, they'll hope to continue their success together at Central Connecticut State University.

On Wednesday, the two athletes officially signed with the first college program to offer them scholarships. If all goes well, they could be roommates together.

"I'm not sure," Lee said. "It would be nice."

Lee, a running back, said he has been recruited as an athlete, but hopes to stay at his position. Celerin, a two-way player at quarterback and defensive back, said he will likely play safety.

Nick Williams

MITCHELL: 2:15 p.m.

NEW PORT RICHEY -- By far, the ceremony at Mitchell was the most elaborate in Pasco County as more than 100 students and adults watched football player Ricky Trinidad signed with Nebraska-Kearney.

"I had two scholarships on the table - Georgia Southern and Youngstown State," Trinidad said. "Georgia Southern pulled there's and Youngstown State stopped calling. I took a trip to Nebraska and loved the place. They offered me (a scholarship) and I took it."

Trinidad, the 2009 leading rusher in Pasco County, hurt his knee in the Mustangs' third game and was out for the season. He still finished the season as the team's leading rusher with 609 yards, including a 99-yard touchdown.

Auburn Cherry (Florida Southern), Breana Pullara (Thomas University (Ga.) and Arielle Anahory (Eckerd College) signed women's soccer letters and - jokingly - apologized to Trinidad for crashing his signing party. Anahory scored 58 goals in her career at Mitchell, fourth highest all-time, and the three compiled a 74-15-8 record in their four years.

Rick Harmon

DURANT: 2:30 p.m.

PLANT CITY -- Senior Grace Van De Grift was surrounded by friends and family -- and a virtual orange and blue world of Gators paraphernalia -- when she signed her National Letter of Intent to the University of Florida.

Van De Grift was the Tampa Bay area's top cross country runner at last year's state finals and, despite a variety of injuries during her prep career, has been a finalist to either the state track or cross country finals since her freshman year.

Besides knowing his oldest daughter is on the verge of leaving home for college, what was difficult for her father, Ty Van De Grift to deal with was sporting a Gators polo shirt. The problem: he's an alumnus of Ohio State, the school UF beat for one football national title and two championships in basketball.

Bill Ward

BERKELEY PREP: 3:25 p.m.

TAMPA -- Taylor Richardson and Nd Ubezonu admitted there was a time when their e-mail accounts got some seriously heavy use.

Before every showcase soccer event in which the two played, they were on the computer, e-mailing colleges coaches they were interested in playing for.

"You're constantly e-mailing coaches trying to get them to the showcases that we go to, but after you finally find the school that fits you, all those e-mails just kind of die down," Ubezonu said.

The pair of Berkeley Prep girls soccer captains can rest now after each signed their national letter-of-intent at the school. Taylor will play for the Vanderbilt University women's soccer team in Nashville, while Ubezonu will do the same at Furman University in South Carolina.

"It feels great," Richardson said. "I'm so relived. I've been waiting so long for this moment, just to sign and finally be committed and not having to worry about anything happening. It's a stressful process, but definitely worth it."

Eddie Daniels

PLANT: 3:30 p.m.

TAMPA -- The ooh's and ahh's were shouted out often as James Wilder's highlight film played out on a large video screen.

Even his head coach, Plant's Robert Weiner, found himself reliving the moments as if they were happening for the first time.

"I've watched it before, but in the moment, you start watching and think how amazing he is," Weiner said. "I know for every one of those plays, I know there are 15 more that look just like it. He's got thousands, upon thousands of plays that make you stop being a coach and start being a fan. You're punching your other coaches saying "did you just see what he just did?"

"I've come across very few people who are as dominant in their particular sport, in their venue, at this point in high school as he is."

Just like he promised he would do five months ago, Wilder signed his letter of intent to Florida State. Over the last several months, Wilder's endured the speculation he would switch commitments. He's also heard about how he would be better suited on defense than as a running back at the next level.

"I know I'm going to be a dominant running back at Florida State," Wilder said. "I refuse to go down until I get into the end zone. I'm a big back. I'm bigger than most defenders. My passion has always been to play running back. All these people that say I'm too stiff or too slow, I call them haters, those haters motivate me to keep me going."

Other Plant athletes making it official during a ceremony in the school's media center were offensive lineman Tony Posada (Michigan) and defensive lineman Bobby Richardson (Indiana), girls soccer players Linzy Rakestraw (Boston College), Danielle Leroy (Florida Gulf Coast) and Becca Rinkevich (Davidson) and tennis player Amber Li (Yale).

Li shocked the high school tennis community by announcing she won't be playing for Plant when the season opens next week. After recently winning her first professional tennis match, Li wants to concentrate on other professional events to help improve her game.

Katherine Smith

SPOTO, 4:30 p.m.

RIVERVIEW -- In just four years, Spoto's football program has managed to work its away to an elite status in Hillsborough County.

Unfortunately, the program hasn't been able to send as many athletes to college as it would have liked, with their most prized recruits having either gotten into legal trouble or transferred to other schools in the county.

That seemed to come to a halt on Wednesday.

Quarterback/defensive back Nick Addison and safety Donald Smith, two of the top rated recruits in the state, became Spoto's first major Division I football signees. Addison, who flirted with the possibility of committing to New Mexico, signed with Bethune-Cookman while Smith signed with Iowa State.

"I think they set the (bar) pretty high," Spoto coach Dale Caparaso said.

"I feel like we set the tone," Smith said. "For us not to make it, it would be a disappointment."

Addison set numerous offensive schools records this past season as a quarterback, but will be asked to play defensive back for the Wildcats. Along with Jefferson quarterback Quentin Williams, BCC has potentially signed two program-changing athletes.

"We got a good chance to win a national championship," Addison said.

Nick Williams