Pompano-Ely cornerback Adrian Burton switched his commitment from SMU to FAU on Monday.
Major additions
Miami-Southridge defensive end Roosevelt Donaldson and Pompano-Ely cornerback Adrian Burton commit to FAU.
Originally published on
1/23/2012
by
Chuck King
Committing to FAU may be the new hip thing to do in South Florida.
After having five players commit to the Owls during their weekend visits, the Owls picked up two more commitments in the 24 hours that followed.
Miami-Southridge defensive end Roosevelt Donaldson and Pompano-Ely cornerback Adrian Burton both have told FAU they plan to sign with the Owls on Signing Day.
The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Donaldson recorded six sacks and 20 tackles for loss as a senior, earning All-State honors in Class 8A, Florida's largest division.
He visited FAU over the weekend but wanted to take a day to think about his decision.
“I like the campus, I like the area and it was close to home,” Donaldson said. “I thought it was the best fit.”
Donaldson also added that he felt a strong rapport with new FAU coach Carl Pelini, who came to FAU in December after a stint as Nebraska's defensive coordinator.
“(Pelini) told me I reminded him of [former Nebraska All-American] Ndamokung Suh and I liked that,” Donaldson said. “I know I will be taken care of there.”
Temple, Cincinnati, West Virginia and Minnesota had all been talking with Donaldson in recent weeks. Donaldson said he no longer plans to visit Minnesota next weekend.
Unlike Donaldson, Burton changed his commitment to be part of an Owls program. He had previously committed to Big East-bound Southern Methodist, but told FAU coaches during a home visit on Monday he'd changed his mind.
“It would have been nice to play in the Big East, but that's not my whole mindset. I'm looking for the best possible fit for me,” Burton said. “FAU just seemed like a better fit for me.”
Burton took a recruiting visit to FAU on the weekend of Jan. 6, with FAU linebacker, and Ely alum, Conard Johnson serving as host.
Burton was back in the stadium on Saturday to watch the Battle of Florida college all-star game.
On Monday he received a visit from Pelini, defensive coordinator Marvin Sanders and defensive line coach Brett Diersen.
“It showed their consistency and their commitment to let me know how bad they really want me,” said Burton, who recorded 57 tackles, intercepted three passes and broke up 11 more as a senior.
Burton said he has already informed SMU coaches of his decision.
“They were pretty upset about it, but there wasn't too much said,” Burton said.