Palm Harbor University QB Sean Shelton figured the scholarship offers would start coming after he led the school to its first winning season. But there was interest from only one Division I-A school, Florida Atlantic.
Shelton, a first-team selection to the St. Petersburg Times' All-Pinellas County team, was supposed to visit the Owls over the weekend. He said he would have committed had the school offered. However, on Jan. 16, Shelton said FAU called to say there would be no offer.
"The coaches said they had too many commitments from running backs and there were no scholarships left," he said. "They said I was welcome to walk-on. It's just really disappointing because I was counting on FAU."
Shelton said he has received interest from two I-AA schools, Furman in South Carolina and Sacred Heart in Connecticut, but has not scheduled a visit with either.
"I really don't know what I'm going to do," he said. "I guess it's back to square one."
A Coyote Coup: Chamberlain CB Rico Valdez, S Chris Frierson and CB Dametrius Turner orally committed to South Dakota last week. They represent the latest efforts of the school, which is making the transition from Division II to I-AA, to pluck lesser-known talent from Hillsborough County.
The Coyotes also have issued late offers to Alonso's Ed Williams, who had 25 catches and four touchdowns in just four games, and Antonio Wallace, the multidimensional Tampa Bay Tech receiver/defensive back who was one of the county's top return men.
"They've done a good job of coming here the last couple years," Alonso coach Mike Heldt said. "We sent Dion Price a couple years ago."
Current Coyotes include freshman WR Jeremy Blount (Middleton), junior DL Wayne Curry (Chamberlain) and Price, a freshman cornerback.
Odds and ends: Plant TE Orson Charles was to make an official visit over the weekend to Georgia, hosted by QB Aaron Murray, his former Plant teammate "That's my boy," Charles told UGA Sports. "But he knows it's all my decision." … Last week, Western Michigan coaches stopped by to see Nature Coast DB Michael Fields, who is supposed to visit in the next two weeks, Sharks coach Jamie Joyner said. He also has interest from Toledo. … Fields' teammate, LB Britt Langley, likely will sign with Division III Apprentice School in Newport News, Va., Joyner said. … Gibbs DL Damond Brinson committed to Troy then rescinded after visiting Alabama-Birmingham two weeks ago. He said he's going to Troy this weekend. "It's still between Troy and UAB," he said. … Largo LB Mike Marry, the Times' All-Pinellas County defensive player of the year the past two seasons, said he got an offer from Auburn last week. It's coached by former Clearwater standout Gene Chizik. … Central two-way lineman Kevin Grier committed to Bethune-Cookman after visiting over the weekend. Grier, 6 feet 3, 285 pounds, said the coaches expect him to play offense, either guard or tackle.
FAST FACTS
About this series
This is the third in a weekly look at area college football recruiting. Currently, players may make only nonbinding oral commitments. They can make it official Feb. 4.
fast facts
About this series
This is the third in a weekly look at area college football recruiting. Currently, players may make only nonbinding oral commitments. They can make it official Feb. 4.
News
