Calabrese is headed south

After heading to campus last week, Islip Terrace (N.Y) East Islip quarterback Rob Calabrese knew what he wanted to do. The 6-foot-2, 199-pounder decided to commit to George O'Leary and Central Florida over an offer from Hofstra.

"My parents and I flew down and met with the coaches," he said. "I don't know, I just trusted the coaches and liked the facilities. I knew that's where I wanted to be.

"I committed to coach O'Leary on Friday afternoon and he was pretty happy. He welcomed me to the family and shook my hand."

The two-star prospect discussed what exactly made him pull the trigger in favor of the Knights.

"I knew the facilities were great and it was just everything else there," he said. "They have a new stadium, indoor field house and everything is right at the school I need. I was comfortable there more than any other place I've been.

"I also like my recruiter, Jim Panagos. He played at my high school and is a good friend of my coach's dad. I like coach Godsey too, the quarterback coach. He played under O'Leary and does a lot of good things. Lastly, I think coach O'Leary is a great guy. He's laid back, but knows how to be serious too. Overall I just trust the coaches there."

Of course Calabrese likes his chances in the UCF offense.

"The coaches talked a lot about how I fit the offense because they like my arm strength and feet," he said. "They talked a lot about how I move and avoid contact and defenders.

"I know it'll be tough. They have a senior quarterback and brought in three guys last year including a junior college quarterback. If I work hard, which I will I'll get on the field, but playing time doesn't matter too much to me."