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Isiah Hill commits to Florida International.(Photo: Joshua Wilson, FloridaHSFootball.com)
Isiah Hill commits to Florida International
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – For Florida High’s Isiah Hill there were two big things on his senior season to do list prior to yesterday.
Now there is only one left.
The one that did come off the list was making the decision of where he wants to play college football at.
Hill, who announced to a packed crowed yesterday at the 4QuartersOnline Media Day, surrounded by his team mates, that he would be talking his talents down south to Florida International in Miami.
The reason for Hill choosing Florida International was simple: It felt like home for him.
“After going down south and speaking with the coaches, my recruiting coordinator and after talking to a lot of the players, it definitely felt like home. Facilities and everything were nice and all the coaches were nice. The area is nice, so everything just felt right,” Hill said.
Hill also had offers from Army, Appalachian State and Middle Tennessee State as well.
He said his head coach, Jarrod Hickman, has played a supporting role in his recruitment efforts.
“He has definitely given me lot of opportunity. Every coach that comes through, he always said my name, introduces me to them. He has played a great roll along with my parents. They also have helped out in the recruiting process,” Hill said.
Now Hill’s focus is solely on his senior season which will include a transition from free safety to quarterback to help the team fill in the roster where support is needed the most.
The Florida High team itself will be younger and Hill said that a lot of players are transitioning into new roles like he is and wants to be that leader can help them go as far as they can as the team has played in the state semifinals and regional finals over the last two seasons.
“i want to take my team as far as we’ll go. The opportunity is out there, we just got to get it,” Hill said.
All verbal commitments are non-binding until National Signing Day on February 3, 2016, when prospects can officially sign a National Letter of Intent.
Sam Thomas to run his talents to Kent State
Sam Thomas commits to Kent State. (Photo: Joshua Wilson, FloridaHSFootball.com)
TALLAHASSEE – The Leon Lions are entering their 100th season of football and they will have a few prospects that will commit to Division I programs leading up to National Signing Day in February.
For 2016 RB Sam Thomas, he decided it was time to make a decision to focus on having a big senior year as he announced his commitment to Kent State yesterday.
Boasting other offers from Kennesaw State, Georgia State, Alabama State, Western Kentucky, Troy and hometown Florida A&M, Thomas found what he was looking for with the Golden Flashes.
“The relationship I have with the coaches and I talk to some of the players, they said it was a good school for me. I know some players that go there now and talking to me about how would you feel about the school and that I should come,” Thomas said.
Thomas also said that some players at Kent State feel he could make an impact as well for the team.
However, leading up to this decision had a key influence: his head coach in Tim Cokely, who has coached other athletes in Thomas’ family
“Coach Cokely, we have a long relationship. He coached my uncle and now he has coached me. He has brought a lot of experience to me and I have a lot of experience with Coach Cokely as well as the rest of my teammates and coaches, and has helped me become a better player.” Thomas said.
With the process now completed, Thomas is focusing on the season at hand.
“The decision I made came for me and I am happy for it, but I am really focused more on the season. I hope to rush for 2,000 yards or more with the help of my offensive line … they should help me along the way,” Thomas said.
He added that making a deep playoff run and getting some accolades are part of the goal as well.
All verbal commitments are non-binding until National Signing Day on February 3, 2016, when prospects can officially sign a National Letter of Intent.
Chris Jackson commits to Marshall
Chris Jackson commits to Marshall. (Photo: Joshua Wilson, FloridaHSFootball.com)
TALLAHASSEE – For some athletes, they love the process of what the recruiting game brings and waiting until National Signing Day to make their decision.
For others, they would just like to get the process settled when they feel the time is right.
For FAMU High 2016 wide receiver and defensive back Chris Jackson, that decision finally came yesterday as he committed to the Marshall Thundering Herd, who recruited him to play defensive back.
Having other offers from Appalachian State, Kent State, Florida A&M and Troy, Jackson felt Marshall had the right fit for him.
“The reason I decided to choose Marshall over the other schools was really the coaching staff, great home, environment and academics as well,” Jackson said.
He said that his head coach, Ira Reynolds, has played a tremendous role in helping him choose the right school to commit to.
“Coach Reynolds has played a humongous role. [He is] a nice guy, great man, nice father figure. He has really showed me how to become a man and how to make great decisions,” Jackson said.
Jackson also credits his grandmother for helping him get to where he is now.
As for what Jackson is wanting to accomplish his senior season? To win a lot of games.
“As a senior I am looking forward to a lot of wins. It is always a goal to win. On a personal level, I am looking for 1,000 yards receiving and eight or nine interceptions,” Jackson said.
All verbal commitments are non-binding until National Signing Day on February 3, 2016, when prospects can officially sign a National Letter of Intent.
