Hillsborough: News and notes

By JOE SMITH and KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writers
Published January 29, 2008

Lakewood vaults into the top spot in our boys basketball rankings, and St. Petersburg Catholic stays at No. 1 for the girls. Sound off at highschool.tampabay.com.

Presley picks Appalachian State

Middleton quarterback DeAndre Presley, one of the area's best dual-threat players under center, has committed to Division I-AA power Appalachian State.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder completed nearly 70 percent of his passes last fall for more than 1,000 yards. He also did well running the ball. That versatility got the Mountaineers' interest, Middleton coach Harry Hubbard said.

"They pretty much run the same offense we do," he said.

FSU could land Middleton's Jones

Middleton star Carlton Jones might not end up at Toledo after all. But that could be a good thing.

Hubbard confirmed Monday that Jones, an all-county running back, has been offered a scholarship by one of college football's true heavyweights - Florida State. Not only that, but Hubbard said he would not be surprised if Jones commits to FSU during his official visit to Tallahassee this weekend.

"I would say (Toledo) would be in trouble," Hubbard said. "One, it's FSU. And two, it's closer to home. And that's always a big thing for these kids."

Sharks' Barr chooses Hofstra

Riverview defensive end Quincy Barr didn't want to waste another trip when his "heart was with Hofstra."

Barr orally committed to Hofstra late Monday night, just one day after returning home from an official visit to the Long Island area campus. The 6-foot-5, 223-pound senior, who racked up 63 tackles last season, said he was offered a visit to Boise State for this weekend, but "didn't want to go anywhere else."

"Everything is right (at Hofstra)," Barr said. "It was a good atmosphere - it felt like my second home."

Addae reviews his options

Will Riverview tailback Jahleel Addae stay true to his West Virginia commitment? We'll find out on signing day for sure.

Addae was a strong WVU commitment until coach Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan. He has looked at some other options the past two weeks, taking trips to Central Michigan and, last weekend, Iowa State; both have offered Addae.

Addae, who graduated in December, said Monday he's still a WVU commit. But he'll ponder his options and make his announcement at Riverview on national signing day next week.

"I'm still neutral," Addae said. "I don't know where I'm going."

Bucs coach set to return vs. CCC

Because he was suspended two games for protesting to officials during the district tournament, Berkeley Prep girls soccer coach Ken Roberts couldn't attend last week's Class 3A playoff opener at Fort Myers Bishop Verot.

In fact, he had no idea the Bucs won until acting coach Jenn Martin called him shortly after the game.

"They told me they lost," Roberts said, laughing. "But I could hear all the noise in the background."

[Last modified January 29, 2008, 00:45:43]