TC's McCloud gives commit to Furman

Tampa Catholic running back Hank McCloud has given Division I-AA Furman a verbal commitment, Crusaders coach Bob Henriquez said Wednesday. Henriquez said the committment was a "soft verbal" pending McCloud receiving a Division I offer.

Furman, one of the top programs in Division I-AA was just one of the schools recruiting McCloud, who ran for 1,767 yards and 16 touchdowns this past season (the second highest total in the bay area) while helping Tampa Catholic to the Class 2B state title game. McCloud also received offers from Harvard, Navy and Towson.

The 5-foot-8, 180-pound running back is also receiving interest from Rutgers, but they have yet to make an offer and probably wouldn't until after signing day. One factor that might impact that is whether Leto running back Jeremey Deering, who is being recruited by Rutgers and is visiting the school this weekend, chooses to go there.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA (eencina@sptimes.com)

Recruiting updates more

Players in post

• Hank McCloud

Teams in post

• Tampa Catholic High School