First in class
Belleview tight end Alex DeLeon became the first member of FAU's Class of 2010.
Originally published on
6/13/2009
by
Chuck King
Florida Atlantic rarely offers early scholarships during the recruiting process, so when the Owls presented Belleview tight end Alex DeLeon with a chance to come to Boca Raton, he didn’t waste any time accepting.
“I was really surprised they offered me a scholarship this early,” said DeLeon, who on Thursday became the first recruit to commit to FAU for 2010. “They told me they seldom offer scholarships around this time.”
DeLeon is a 6-foot-4, 195-pounder who will play tight end and linebacker during his senior high school season. The Owls want him exclusively as a tight end, and FAU’s rich tradition at tight was one of the swaying points for DeLeon.
“He’s got unbelievable hands and a great body,” said Mike Bowe, DeLeon’s coach at Belleview. “What they like is that he can stretch the field from the tight end spot, but he can also split out. He has the total package they are looking for as a tight end.”
DeLeon hasn’t had much opportunity to showcase his pass catching skills at Belleview, which runs the power rushing double-wing set.
That offense, however, has given DeLeon plenty of experience in the trenches.
“He’s a tremendous blocker,” Bowe said. “In our offense, you have to be a tremendous blocker or you are not playing for Belleview High School.”
A state qualifier in the 110-meter hurdles and a member of Belleview’s basketball team, DeLeon’s physical abilities aren’t limited to the football field. And with a 3.3 GPA, DeLeon can perform in the classroom as well.
FAU’s academic program was a big reason DeLeon felt it was right to commit early.
“Football isn’t always going to be there forever,” DeLeon said. “I would like to get my education.”
DeLeon said he is excited to be FAU’s first player in the Class of 2010 and hopes to have the opportunity to convince other players to join him in Boca Raton.
Duke, Marshall and Indiana were among the schools that had shown interest in the tight end, but as far as DeLeon is concerned the recruiting process is over.
“I’m not going to change my mind on anything,” DeLeon said. “I’m a man of my word. I am going to stick to what I say.”