MSD tribute

St. Thomas lacrosse team raises $10,000 for park fund for Stoneman Douglas victim.

St. ThomasAquinas fourstar safety Jordan Battle committed to Ohio State on Friday.

Battle, an Under Armour All-America game selection, dedicated the Friday afternoon announcement to his motheronTwitter, tweeting “Happy birthday ma.”

“I am honored to announce I am committed to The Ohio State Buckeyes!” Battle wrote.

The decision comes a week after taking an official visit to Columbus. Battle had also made multiple trips to the University of Miami, visited Florida and, in April, took an unofficial visit to Southern Cal while playing with 7-on-7 team South Florida Express in Los Angeles.

While committing to the Buckeyes, Miami still appeared to make an impression on Battle in his recruitment. In his social media note, he thanked current St. Thomas coaches and the Ohio State coaching staff, among others, but also gave theHurricanes a shoutout.

“This has been an incredible journey, Iwant to thank all the schools & coaches that recruitedmeand a special thanks to the coaching staff at UM,” Battle wrote.

As a junior, Battle Battle had

55 tackles, four interceptions— one for a touchdown against Piper — three pass deflectionsand a fumble recovery for the Raiders.

“His last name‘Battle’ fits him as it relates to being a fierce competitor. He is the complete DB package,” St. Thomas Aquinas coach RogerHarriott said. “Jordan is blessed with size, athleticism, speed, leadership skills and practical football acumen.”

Battle committed last March to playing in the Under Armour game next January. He is ranked the nation’s fourth-best safety by 247 Sports.

“He possesses the versatility to play cornerback and safety at an elite level,” Harriott said. “His eye discipline, hip mobility, football IQandphysicality separates him fromthe rest.” d fur ones@ sun sentinel. com or Twitter@ David Fur ones_