Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Weatherford selects UCF

By Izzy Gould
Published December 15, 2006

LAND O'LAKES - The Birdman has landed.

On Tuesday, Joe Weatherford orally committed to UCF, where he will have the opportunity to take a rising program to the national stage. The Land O'Lakes quarterback also considered Western Michigan, Toledo, Colorado State, Louisville and Duke.

Weatherford finished second all time in passing yardage at Land O'Lakes with more than 5,300 as a three-year starter. Weatherford's brother, Florida State quarterback Drew, holds the county record with 7,657 yards as a four-year starter. Weatherford joins Gulf quarterback Alton Voss USF as the second Division I oral commitment from Pasco County in this year's class.

"I felt like that was where God wanted me to be and my whole family," Weatherford said. "Everything worked out. ...They were all great schools, when it came down to it, UCF was the best."

Weatherford first received an offer from UCF in May and quickly became enamored with Golden Knights coach George O'Leary, the gleaming new facilities and a new on-campus stadium set to open next fall against Texas.

In terms of playing time, senior Kyle Israel appears to be in line to replace Steven Moffett next season, with Weatherford the quarterback of the future. Weatherford said redshirting is not a problem.

"We're happy," Land O'Lakes coach John Benedetto said. "It's a great fit for him. They've struggled at the quarterback position this past year. They need somebody that can sit back there with a strong arm that's pretty accurate. I think they got that one in Joe Weatherford."

Weatherford hoped to make a commitment before leaving for China on Sunday to visit one of his older brothers for three weeks. He visited Western Michigan and Toldeo last week before committing.

"I wanted to take these trips," Weatherford said. "I didn't want to leave any doubts."

Weatherford led the Gators to the Class 5A, District 5 title and the school's 10th consecutive playoff berth. He led the county in passing with 2,141 yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Now he'll have a chance to make his own legacy at a school close enough for his family to drive over for games or visit at a moment's notice.

Weatherford relied heavily on family to help him with his decision, particularly Drew.

"He had a big part in me choosing my school," Weatherford said. "That's where he wanted me to go when it came down."

Izzy Gould can be reached at igould@sptimes.com or (727) 580-5315.

[Last modified December 14, 2006, 21:30:57]