SexyRexy
06-18-2007, 01:13 PM
Florida has had a difficult time holding on to early commitments in football the past few years. This latest one may be the toughest of all.
Dee Finley, rated the nation's No. 1 defensive prospect by at least one recruiting service, verbally committed to the Gators over the weekend. Now comes the hard part - keeping him in the fold until February.
The Gators certainly will have competition because Finley is from Auburn, Ala., and the Tigers were in his final three along with UF and LSU.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Finley is UF's second commitment for the class of 2008, joining Gainesville High defensive end Earl Okine. As a junior, Finley had eight interceptions, 50 solo tackles and broke up 15 passes.
Finley did not return calls seeking comment. Finley's high school coach, Tim Carter, said the Gators are potentially getting a player versatile enough to play both safety positions or at linebacker if needed.
"He's a really good kid, works hard for us," Carter said. "He can really play a lot of different positions. He's a good hitter, a physical player. That's one of his biggest qualities, his ability to hit and tackle in the open field."
Carter said he spoke with Finley on Saturday night, during Finley's UF visit.
"He just told me that he really enjoyed the players," Carter said. "They made him feel special, part of the team."
Carter also pointed out Finley's leadership skills. Finley was captain at Auburn High last season.
"He's got a lot of qualities that you can build a championship team around," Carter said.
Dee Finley, rated the nation's No. 1 defensive prospect by at least one recruiting service, verbally committed to the Gators over the weekend. Now comes the hard part - keeping him in the fold until February.
The Gators certainly will have competition because Finley is from Auburn, Ala., and the Tigers were in his final three along with UF and LSU.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Finley is UF's second commitment for the class of 2008, joining Gainesville High defensive end Earl Okine. As a junior, Finley had eight interceptions, 50 solo tackles and broke up 15 passes.
Finley did not return calls seeking comment. Finley's high school coach, Tim Carter, said the Gators are potentially getting a player versatile enough to play both safety positions or at linebacker if needed.
"He's a really good kid, works hard for us," Carter said. "He can really play a lot of different positions. He's a good hitter, a physical player. That's one of his biggest qualities, his ability to hit and tackle in the open field."
Carter said he spoke with Finley on Saturday night, during Finley's UF visit.
"He just told me that he really enjoyed the players," Carter said. "They made him feel special, part of the team."
Carter also pointed out Finley's leadership skills. Finley was captain at Auburn High last season.
"He's got a lot of qualities that you can build a championship team around," Carter said.