James Wilder Selects Florida State!
By Katherine Smith
Tampa Tribune
August 18, 2010
A report surfaced Tuesday afternoon that the Plant two-way starter
would commit to the University of Georgia, but Wilder surprised everyone
when he announced his non-binding commitment to Florida State during a
press conference Wednesday in Plant High’s auditorium.
Wilder picked the Seminoles over Florida and UGA. At Georgia, Wilder
would have joined former Plant standouts Aaron Murray and Orson Charles,
who Wilder said was actually very helpful to Wilder during the
recruiting process.
Throughout the process, which included more than 60 Division I
offers, Wilder said his choice would be a school that will play him at
running back. Though he’s Hillsborough County’s top defensive player,
leading the county with 19 sacks last year, Wilder wants to primarily
play running back in college.
Last season, in helping Plant with its second consecutive state title
and third in four years, Wilder became the first Plant running back to
rush for over 1,000 yards since Robert Weiner became the head coach in
2004.
Wilder becomes the third Division I prospect from Plant to commit
before the season starts. Last week quarterback Phillip Ely verbally
committed to Alabama and right tackle Tony Posada committed to Michigan.
10 More Panthers Announce College Commitments
The following Plant Panthers announced thier college commitments: Josh Varon (John Carroll), Mark Brannan (Davidson), Kevin Beckwith (Mount Union College), Nick Hazley (Bethune-Cookman), Corey Fisher (Concordia), Deandre Queen (Grand Rapids Community College), Chris Finn (Florida State), David McCarthy (Florida), Rip Chambers (Florida), Will Hiler (Florida)