Florida St., not scholarships, lures Packer

By JOE SMITH
Published June 17, 2007

Largo senior point guard Ben O'Donnell will join Florida State as a preferred walk-on.

O'Donnell, a first-team Times' all-county selection, had several Division I scholarship offers, including Tennessee Tech, William & Mary and East Tennessee State, but in his visiting process, he never found the right fit.

The four-year starter considered attending USF and trying to walk on, but found FSU's exercise program - and basketball situation - better.

"I may not get into a game, but I'll get to practice with the guys, which will be a great experience, " O'Donnell said. "There's a chance I can play, but, I mean, they've got Toney Douglas."

And in another year, FSU will have fellow county standout in Clearwater senior-to-be Luke Loucks. The four-star recruit recently orally committed.

UPDATES: Dunedin outfielder Billy Perillo has signed with South Florida Community College. ...Countryside senior shortstop GiOnna DiSalvatore received her expedited passport just in time to join the U.S. junior national team on its trip today to the Netherlands for the Junior World Championships.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8129.

[Last modified June 16, 2007, 22:55:27]