Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Williams headlines ’Canes signing class
Despite a once-in-a-century pandemic and a recruiting dead period that has lasted nine months, the pipeline of talented football players that flows from South Florida to college football programs all over the country is still flowing.
Three dozen senior players from Palm Beach and Broward signed with a college program on the first day of the Early Signing Period. Twenty of them signed with Power Five programs.
“It’s really a dream come true this morning,” said Cardinal Gibbons wide receiver Troy Stellato, who signed with Clemson. “Putting the pen to paper and actually making everything official was definitely a surreal feeling. Definitely feel like a little weight is lifted; I officially know where I’m going to college, no other rumors. I’m just ready to get to work at Clemson. Ready to compete and definitely one of the happiest moments of my life.”
At Cardinal Gibbons, the Chiefs had a small signing ceremony for three seniors sending in their National Letters of intent: defensive lineman Jah-Mal Williams (Cincinnati), offensive lineman Anthony Earle (Florida Atlantic) and Stellato.
The ceremony was brief, and as soon as it ended, Cardinal Gibbons’ players and coaches piled onto charter buses bound for Tallahassee because the Chiefs play in the Class 4A state title game on Thursday afternoon.
“Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Stellato said. “I’m going to sign and then go up for business and try to get another state championship ring. I can’t wait. I’m trying to get my second one and end high school on the right note. I’m definitely really excited to do these two things all in the same couple of days.”
Some of the other top players in Broward County had to send in their letters of intent from Tallahassee because Chaminade-Madonna was already in town for Wednesday night’s Class 3A title game. Chaminade’s Thad Franklin and Allan Haye both signed with the Miami Hurricanes; they had been committed to Miami for months.
The first day of the Early Signing Period continued without many surprises. Five-star prospects Dallas Turner and James Williams both stuck with the teams they had been committed to for several months; Turner signed with Alabama and Williams signed with Miami.
At American Heritage’s signing event in Plantation, all-world safety James Williams became emotional with his grandmother at the event to celebrate his long-awaited signing with the Miami Hurricanes.
Additionally, the Patriots standout wide receiver Oronde Gadden II was flanked by his family — including his father, former Dolphins standout wideout Oronde Gadsden — as he took the stage in the blue and orange of his college choice, Syracuse.