A surprise leader for Florida DT

Rutgers could be on the verge of landing a key verbal commitment from the Sunshine State.

Three-star Miami (Fla.) Edison defensive tackle Richard Clebert says the Scarlet Knights have made a big impression on him throughout the recruiting process.

“I’m really leaning toward Rutgers right now,” he said. “I have family up there, and that’s been the one school who has really recruited me the longest and hardest. I can tell that they really want me there. Some of the others, they’ve offered me and say they want me, but it’s just not the same as the way Rutgers has recruited me.

“I was talking with (Florida verbal) Tony Joiner at the California Bowl, and we were talking about the recruiting process and how he was glad to have it all wrapped up. I was thinking that I might just go ahead and make my commitment sometime soon.”

Unless that decision unfolds in the days to come, Clebert (6-1, 275, 4.93) plans to take at least three more official visits. He has scheduled South Florida for the 9th, Nebraska for the 16th and Miami for the 23rd.

He took his official visit to Rutgers on Dec. 12.

The Hurricanes could be in good position to land his signature if a scholarship offer develops, but Clebert said that has yet to occur.

As a senior, he recorded 22 tackles for loss and eight sacks at Edison.