Boston picks Cincy; others weigh offers
By DAVE DEVEREUX, ddevereux@breezenewspapers.comFrom a list of about 12 to 15 Division I colleges offering football scholarships, North Fort Myers High School senior Tre Boston narrowed his list of favorites to Cincinnati, Michigan State, North Carolina and Indiana.
Ultimately, he liked the direction UC was headed.
Under coach Brian Kelly, the Bearcats posted 21 victories the past two seasons, highlighted by their first Bowl Championship Series game appearance in the Orange Bowl in January.
"I liked the coaching staff," said Boston, who plays quarterback, receiver and defensive back for the Red Knights. "I felt their program was moving in the right direction and wanted to be a part of it."
Boston (6-foot-1, 175 pounds) gave Cincinnati his verbal commitment earlier this month. He joins a host of area football seniors, who have committed to D-I schools in the past few months, while others are still weighing offers.
Cape Coral High players Jaylen Watkins (Florida), Spencer Boyd (Notre Dame) and Jeremy Davis (Miami) have given commitments. Teammate Dan Koenig remains undecided.
The 6-foot-6 offensive tackle has offers from Miami, Tennessee, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma State, Clemson, Ole Miss and Wake Forest.
Ida Baker has two players drawing interest from D-I schools - running back/defensive back Joseph Byrd and Jonathan Garcia, who plays tight end, defensive end and linebacker.
Byrd (5-10, 175) led the Bulldogs in rushing as a sophomore with 762 yards and 11 touchdowns. He missed the majority of his junior campaign after suffering a broken ankle.
That didn't prevent schools from evaluating him during spring practice. He had put enough on film during his sophomore season, and was clearly helped by his performance in track when he finished as state runner-up in the 100 and 200 meter dashes.
"It's a bit of a confidence boost to a team when you have the fastest kid in the area on your team," Baker coach Brian Conn said. "He started to get attention in spring practice. Track season helped him, as well."
Byrd's list of offers include Purdue, Minnesota, Indiana, Louisville and Connecticut.
Byrd, who has been clocked at 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash, is being recruited about equally at defensive back and running back, Conn said.
The 6-4 Garcia has emerged as a leader on defense for the Bulldogs, but remains an intriguing prospect on offense at tight end or at an H-back position.
Garcia recently received an offer from Wake Forest and Florida has shown interest as well.
Boston turned in a stellar junior season for the Red Knights, leading them in receiving with 43 catches for 736 yards and five touchdowns, and grabbed a team-high four interceptions on defense.
This year, Boston expects to see time at quarterback.
"Most D-I players emerge pretty quickly at practice because of their playmaking ability and he was no exception," said Red Knights coach Barry Goettemoeller. "What stands out is his ball skills and playmaking ability."
Boston said there is a chance of playing both ways with the Bearcats, though he was recruited primarily as a defensive back.
