USF tops Sutton's list

[ChiTownBull]

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Sports/Headlines/sptFBH01011107.htm

By TONY JONES

Staff Writer

DELAND -- Calvin Sutton, one of the best linebackers in Volusia County during the last two years, has verbally committed to play football at the University of South Florida.

With his commitment, Sutton becomes the second player from DeLand High to pledge his services to a major Division I football program. Will Furlong, an offensive lineman, committed to Florida State over the summer.

"I'm glad that I've gotten it over with," Sutton said. "I'm excited. It's a chance to go to a school close to home, and it's a chance to have my family see me play on a regular basis."

For Sutton, this ends five days of relative uncertainty. He originally committed to USF last Friday night after visiting the school. But he still had two visits set up, one to Ole Miss and another to Auburn, for later this month, and they were visits Sutton said he intended to take.

Reached by phone on Saturday night, Sutton told News-Journal he was still "open" and that his commitment to USF was a "tentative commitment."

Sutton, whose father Calvin Sr. lives in Tampa, then spoke to DeLand coach Larry Candeto earlier this week and reaffirmed his commitment to USF.

"The bottom line is that USF was the school that showed him the most love," Calvin Sutton Sr. said. "They have a defensive coach, and we feel that's the school that's going to look out for his best interests."

Sutton, a two-time first team All-Area pick, becomes the second Volusia County player to commit to the Bulls in the past three seasons. Chris Robinson, a former star at Flagler Palm Coast, was a major contributor this season for USF as a redshirt freshman. Indeed, it was Robinson who made the game-winning defensive play in an early-season victory over Central Florida.

There were many reasons for Sutton committing to the Bulls. USF is, without a doubt, a program on the rise.They won their first ever bowl game this season with a 24-7 conquest over East Carolina in the PapaJohns.com bowl. They play in the ultra-competitive Big East Conference and they finished the season ranked 29th in the Associated Press final poll.

But playing time may be the biggest reason for Sutton's commitment. With USF graduating the majority of its linebackers, Sutton will have a chance to step right in and compete for a spot on the field.

"The school is on the verge of being a big-time school," Sutton Sr. said. "It's a real up-and-coming program. They have spots open, and it's really important that Calvin can come right in and compete."

tony.jones@news-jrnl.com

[Guest r_to_the_izzo]

Glad to see he is a solid now.

[Matt]

it was reported that he was solid about a week ago.  check the recruiting board.

[KB]

Reached by phone on Saturday night, Sutton told News-Journal he was still "open" and that his commitment to USF was a "tentative commitment."

Wasn't solid Saturday night.

[SANJAY]

I enjoyed our conquest over ECU.  

[BullsWinBucsWin]

ultra-competitive Big East Conference

Not that I don't agree, but just sounds ultra-funny to me.   ;D

[Guest r_to_the_izzo]

it was reported that he was solid about a week ago.  check the recruiting board.

I don't care what is reported, he still has visits to other schools he's not solid.  Glad to see USF is still his choice even after taking his other trips.

[Triple B]

I don't care what is reported, he still has visits to other schools he's not solid.  Glad to see USF is still his choice even after taking his other trips.

If I read the article correctly, he still has visits left.

[Guest r_to_the_izzo]

I don't care what is reported, he still has visits to other schools he's not solid.  Glad to see USF is still his choice even after taking his other trips.

If I read the article correctly, he still has visits left.

Good call, I misread the part, thought they said he was planning on taking them but decided against it.

Heres hoping that Auburn doesnt convince him into becomming a Tiger.

[crambone]

Wasn't solid Saturday night.

lol