Dumervil picks LSU over Florida
St. Thomas Aquinas star Dumervil chooses LSU over Florida, Louisville as Tigers grab two Raiders blockers
St. Thomas Aquinas star offensive lineman Marcus Dumervil came into the Early Signing Period as one of the most coveted uncommitted prospects in the 2020 class.
Late Wednesday morning, the four-star offensive tackle chose to sign with LSU over Florida, Louisville and more than 40 other college programs.
“The winning culture, diversity and just being welcomed,” Dumervil said of what drew him to LSU. “I really felt like I was embraced, and it’s somewhere I could see myself flourish.”
Dumervil, who is rated the No. 97 player in the class and No. 11 offensive tackle by 247Sports’ composite ranking, announced
his decision at a signing ceremony at St. Thomas Aquinas that was broadcast live on ESPN2.
“It’s amazing,” Dumervil said. “It’s an honor. It’s been a long time coming, and I know me and my family made the right decision.”
Dumervil said he made his final decision after discussing it with his family over the weekend.
Dumervil has family ties to Louisville. His uncle is former NFL star defensive end Elvis Dumervil, who played for Louisville in college. Dumervil said Louisville was his second choice. The senior offensive lineman had taken three official visits: to Florida, Louisville and LSU.
Dumervil would be playing with a Raiders teammate if he picked Florida or LSU. His fellow St. Thomas offensive lineman, Marlon Martinez, signed with LSU on Wednesday, while linebacker Derek Wingo signed with the Gators.
“It’s great to have someone you ride with for four years and hopefully another four,” Dumervil said. “So when we hit those speed bumps, we can help each other get over them and just improve as players and as better people.”
Martinez said he didn’t try to bug Dumervil and get him to sign with LSU, but he’s happy his teammate will be joining him in Baton Rouge.
“It makes me feel good,” Martinez said. “We’ve been playing next to each other for a few years now, and we feel confident playing next to each other,”
Dumervil’s career is not quite over yet. The Raiders will play in the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series against Hawaii’s Saint Louis in Las Vegas on Saturday, and Dumervil will participate in the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 2.
Dumervil was a Sun Sentinel Super 11 pick. He helped pave the way for St. Thomas’ rushing attack as the Raiders went undefeated and won the Class 7A state championship on Saturday.
“I’m thankful that I came here and could be coached by these guys: coach Roger Harriott, coach George Smith, obviously, my O-line coach, coach Torrian Wilson,” Dumervil said. “They’ve done a great job of helping me get to the next level.”
Heritage CB Davonte Brown picks UCF over UM and Pitt: Although he is a Miami Hurricanes legacy, American Heritage cornerback Davonte Brown chose to sign with another instate program on Wednesday.
Brown picked UCF over Miami and Pittsburgh at a signing ceremony at American Heritage.
“I think what put me over the edge with UCF was just feeling at home, feeling comfortable,”
Brown said. “I felt like that was the place where I belong. I also have a lot of family up there, so they’re going to be able to see me play.”
Brown was one of six Patriots standouts to sign early and one of three to announce their final decisions on Wednesday. Quarterback Edwin Rhodes signed with Tennessee State, while defensive back Andrew Volmar signed with FIU.
Those already committed were wide receiver Douglas Emilien signed with Minnesota, defensive back Daryl Porter Jr. signed with West Virginia, offensive lineman Khris Love signed with Maryland.
Brown, who is rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports’ composite ranking, signed with UCF despite being a Miami legacy. His father, Selwyn Brown, played for the Hurricanes in the 1980s.
“Deep down inside, I wanted him to [go to Miami], but I wanted to be fair and impartial,” Selwyn Brown said. “I wanted him to make his own decisions. I didn’t want to pressure him and [have him say] ‘My dad made me go to the U.’ He made his own decision, so we’re proud of him. He’s going to do great things at UCF.”
Emilien, rated a threestar prospect, had been committed to Minnesota since Dec. 2. He sent in his letter of intent early Wednesday morning.
“It feels elite,” Emilien said. “Elite, like coach [P.J.] Fleck says. … [Fleck] is an amazing person. He matches my drive and my energy.”
Emilien said Minnesota had been in touch with him since the summer, and they invited him for an official visit, which he enjoyed.