Riverview High's McKenzie settles on Michigan State
By FRANK PASTOR
Published February 2, 2004
A weekend visit to Michigan State convinced Riverview's Tyrone McKenzie the Big Ten school is the place for him.
McKenzie orally committed Sunday, choosing the Spartans over Iowa State, which offered a scholarship, and Florida and Florida State, which did not.
"I get along with the players," McKenzie said. "They've got a lot of things going for them. It seems like a good school."
A Times 2003 All-Hillsborough second-team selection, McKenzie can play strong safety or running back. But he said his position was not a factor in his decision.
"I just wanted to play big-time football, get an education and everything," McKenzie said.
Jefferson cornerback Robert Baham will commit to Cincinnati today, he said. The Times' All-Hillsborough first-team pick said he felt "comfortable" after visiting over the weekend.
Cincinnati offers Baham's choice of major, criminal justice. The Bearcats' planned move to the Big East in 2005 also elevated them over Ball State, Florida A&M and Central Florida.
"I felt comfortable around the coaches, and I can adapt to the atmosphere," Baham said. "Even the cold is something I can get used to."
Baham could be joined at the signing table Wednesday by Jefferson receiver Antonio Graham, who narrowed his choices to Tennessee State, which he visited over the weekend, and FAMU, Baham said.
Blake receiver Tito Gonzales, who received All-Hillsborough honorable mention, orally committed to West Virginia.
Meanwhile, Countryside wide receiver Jermaine Filer, the Times' fifth-ranked prospect in the bay area, and running back Isaiah Gwyn neared decisions.
"I have some more thinking to do about it, but if I sign on Wednesday, it will probably be Marshall," Filer told rivals100.com. Filer, whose academic status is undetermined, told the Web site his other choice, Kansas State, asked him to attend prep school first.
"Marshall has a program they can get me in right now," he said. "Right now, I'd rather do that."
Gwyn said he's leaning toward Western Kentucky after Eastern Kentucky called off his visit because it received oral commitments from two other running backs.
"I'm probably pushing over to Western," Gwyn said.
And Alonso defensive tackle Leger Douzable committed to Central Florida. The 6-5, 270-pounder visited last week and told UCFsports.com he will not take any more visits.
Around the state
FLORIDA A&M: School president Fred Gainous recommended that trustees delay their decision to move the program to Division I-A from I-AA this fall. He plans to meet with school trustees today.
FAU: Coach Howard Schnellenberger received a two-year contract extension. Schnellenberger, 69, is under contract through 2009.
- Information from Times wires was used in this report.
