Chance to change mind?
One of FAU's out-of-state visitors this past weekend had already committed to Troy. The Owls should learn by the end of the day whether he's changed his mind and will play in Boca Raton instead.
Originally published on
1/31/2012
by
Chuck King
Florida Atlantic should learn on Tuesday whether they've been able able to convince one out of state defensive lineman to change his commitment from Troy to FAU.
The player visited FAU this past weekend and enjoyed the experience enough to consider making the switch.
“I really liked (FAU),” Lowndes (Ga.) defensive end James Mathis said. “The coaching staff was really nice and all. I had a chance to meet a lot of the players.”
If Mathis ends up at FAU, current Owl linebacker Michael Copeland, a graduate of Lowndes and a friend of Mathis, will get an assist.
Mathis said FAU had been showing interest in him in the fall, but he lost touch with the Owls during the changing of the coaching staffs. A couple of weeks ago, at Mathis' request, Copeland delivered Mathis' highlight DVD to the new FAU coaches.
Within days Mathis and FAU coaches were putting together a visit.
Mathis spent the last couple days trying to decide where he will wants to sign, saying he'll announce his decision at pre-Signing Day banquet at a local steakhouse on Tuesday evening.
“It's down to Troy and FAU,” Mathis said.
Mathis could still change his mind after the announcement. Verbal commitments are non-binding. Wednesday is the first day players and sign their National Letter of Intent, making their decision official.
Seven of Mathis' 45 tackles during his senior season were sacks. He also broke up two passes and forced a fumble.