Farragut center chooses Florida

Marreese Speights will spend a season at a military academy then join the Gators.

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published May 17, 2005

Admiral Farragut's 6-foot-10 center, Marreese Speights, has verbally committed to the University of Florida, and said he will sign in November.

Speights decided on the Gators after an AAU tournament this weekend, choosing them over Miami, Memphis, FSU, Auburn and Cincinnati.

"They've been recruiting me for over a year and a had a really good relationship with them and my mom really liked them," Speights said.

Speights won't enroll until 2006. Though he was a senior eligible player for the Blue Jackets this season, he was only a junior academically. As a result, he will attend Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy for the 2005-06 school year.

Among fifth-year prep schools, Hargrave has been a perennial top-five team. Speights will report Aug.22.

He was a Class A all-state selection and second-team on the Times All-County team after averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Blue Jackets this season. He was also an all-county pick in 2003-04 when he played at Gibbs.

Speights is more than just a low-post player. He has a soft touch on his jumper and prefers facing the basket.

"The coaches at Florida said I remind them of Matt Bonner, that kind of style," Speights said.

[Last modified May 17, 2005, 07:25:59]