USA Today Florida’s early signing day updates: Nyjalik Kelly signs with Miami – Palm Beach Post
Are you ready for a busy day?
The early signing period is here and it could be a very hectic one in Florida. Seven of the top 17 players in the USA Today Florida Network’s top 100 are expected to make their college decision this morning.
That list includes IMG Academy five-star safety Kamari Wilson (No. 4), American Heritage edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. (No. 7) and Dillard defensive end Nyjalik Kelly (No. 9).
The USA Today Florida Network will have its reporters at many of the top signing day ceremonies around the state.
Stay tuned throughout the day for the latest breaking news on the top uncommitted players in the state.
More: IMG 5-star safety Kamari Wilson: ‘My decision might shock the world’
More: Football recruiting: Who are the top uncommitted players in Florida?
More: Football recruiting: Lakeland DL Brownlow-Dindy holds top spot in USA Today Top 100
More: Recruiting: Thoughts on the chaotic final week before the early signing period
Dillard DE Kelly signs with Miami
New Miami coach Mario Cristobal landed his first big uncommitted player Wednesday afternoon when Dillard defensive end Nyjailk Kelly picked the Hurricanes.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Kelly, ranked No. 9 on the USA Today Florida Network’s top 100. He also was considering Florida, Florida State and Georgia.
Kelly had 10.5 sacks in five games this fall, including six against Hallandale on Oct. 15.
Dillard WR flips to Louisville
Dillard slot receiver Devaughn Mortimer flipped to Louisville on Wednesday afternoon.
The 5-foot-9, 160-pound Mortimer, the No. 40 player on the USA Today Florida Network’s top 100, had been committed to Florida State since the spring.
Mortimer is a strong route runner with good speed and strength. His 90-yard touchdown catch against St. Thomas Aquinas was one of the biggest highlights of the year.
FSU lands Niceville ATH Azareyeh Thomas
Azareyeh Thomas, the No. 11 player on the USA Today Florida Network’s top 100, picked Florida State.
Niceville’s 6-foot-3, 190-pound athlete likely will play safety or cornerback for the Seminoles.
Thomas also was considering Georgia Tech, Florida and LSU.
Thomas was a jack-of-all-trades for Niceville in 2021. He rushed for 421 yards and 10 touchdowns, caught 33 passes for 438 yards and seven touchdowns. Defensively, Thomas had 15 tackles, intercepted two passes and broke up six others.
Aquinas WR Camden Brown to Auburn
St. Thomas Aquinas senior wide receiver Camden Brown is heading to Auburn.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder committed to Pitt during the summer but his recruiting picked up heavily during the past two months. Florida State, Georgia and Arizona also were in the mix for Brown, who is the No. 64 player on the USA Today Florida Network’s top 100.
Brown has 24 catches for 483 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
IMG ATH Keon Sabb to Michigan
It’s Michigan for IMG athlete Keon Sabb.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Sabb is ranked No. 17 on the USA Today Florida Network’s top 100.
Sabb committed to Clemson July but decommitted on Dec. 6 after defensive coordinator Brett Venables left to become the head coach at Oklahoma.
Sabb has the size and athleticism to play linebacker or safety at Michigan.
LB Demario Tolan sticks with LSU
DeMario Tolan stuck with LSU.
Dr. Phillips’ 6-foot-2, 205-pound linebacker is No. 32 on the USA Today Florida Network’s top 100.
Tolan had been committed to LSU since the summer, but was getting a lot of interest from other programs after Brian Kelly was hired to replace Ed Orgeron.
Tolan said Tuesday he also was considering Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee.
Homestead DE Dante Anderson picks FSU
Homestead edge rusher Dante Anderson surprised some by picking Florida State on Wednesday morning.
Anderson, ranked No. 58 on the USA Today Florida Network’s top 100, will join Homestead teammate Daniel Lyons (defensive lineman, No. 83) in Tallahassee.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Anderson also was considering Georgia Tech, Indiana, Miami and Penn State.
Anderson recorded 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and forced two fumbles in 2021.
WR Ajou Ajou transfers to USF
Ajou Ajou is returning to Florida.
The Canadian wide receiver, whose parents are from the Sudan, has signed with USF. He played at Clemson the past two seasons and was ranked a three-star recruit coming out Clearwater Academy International in 2020.
A 6-foot-3, 220-pounder, Ajou caught six passes for 73 yards in 12 games in 2021. He scored one touchdown as a freshman.
Central DE Gabe Jacas headed to Illinois
Fort Pierce Central defensive end Gabe Jacas, who received a lot of attention during the final few weeks of the season, flipped from Tulane to Illinois on Wednesday morning.
Jacas also was considering Tennessee, where he took an official visit over the weekend.
Jacas had a breakout season in 2021, recording 35 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pounder won the Class 3A state wrestling championship at 220 pounds as a junior.
8:00 a.m. | Former FSU receiver Bryan Robinson eyes Marshall
Former Palm Beach Central and Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Bryan Robinson announced his intention to join the Marhsall Thundering Herd on Wednesday morning.
Robinson was a four-star prospect out of the Class of 2020 with offers from Alabama, Miami and Nebraska before choosing to enroll at Florida State.
After struggling with injuries for much of his time in Tallahassee, Robinson announced his intention to transfer in October.
“Coming out of high school he was one of the top WRs in the country and it shows on his film,” Marshall head coach Charles Huff said. “Being able to bring in that kind of potential at the WR position, it is hard not to be excited about adding him to an already talented room.”
7:45 a.m. | Gators land Naples S Devin Moore
Naples safety Devin Moore is headed to Gainesville.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder is No. 41 on the USA Today Florida Network’s top 100. He also was considering Notre Dame.
#BREAKING: Naples defensive back Devin Moore (@realdevinmoore3) has committed to Florida.
The Gators completed the flip on the 6-foot-3 All-American, who took an official visit to Gainesville this past weekend.
Notre Dame loses out on the 4⭐️ prospect, who will stay in-state. pic.twitter.com/Aws1oW0rnP
— Alex Martin (@NP_AlexMartin) December 15, 2021
Moore had been committed to Notre Dame for months before decommitting on Nov. 30 after Brian Kelly left to become the coach at LSU.
Moore had 38 tackles, three tackles for loss, broke up 11 passes and recovered four fumbles in 2021 as Naples reached the regional semifinals.
7:15 a.m. | Townsend signs with UCF
Berkeley Prep standout running back Xavier Townsend sent his signature to UCF this morning, adding to Gus Malzahn’s outstanding class.
Townsend, No. 31 on the USA Today top 100, was committed to Iowa State for months but decommitted Sunday.
Townsend helped lead Berkeley Prep to the Class 3A state championship in 2021. He finished the year with 1,209 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns and added 434 receiving yards and seven receiving scores.
