Despite commitment, Rocker not done
Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood offensive tackle Donald Rocker made a decision over the weekend to pledge his services to an in-state school - Florida International.
"I committed on Saturday around 1 o'clock," Rocker said.
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According to the 6-foot-4, 296-pound offensive lineman, the Golden Panthers are interested in him as an offensive guard prospect.
Rocker talked about a few of the reasons why he felt comfortable pledging his services to Mario Cristobal's team.
"The city of Miami is always a pretty attractive place to be," Rocker said. "But I also like what FIU is doing with their program. It is only about 10 years old and they have already won a conference championship and beaten all of their rivals. They are on a real fast come-up."
The Northeast Florida prospect made his way to South Florida to check out the Golden Panthers recently. He came away impressed with their academic offerings.
"I visited for a junior day," Rocker said. "I learned that even though it is a fast-rising football school, it is also a great academic school. It is actually the hardest school to get into Florida. I think the classes there will make sure I am ready and that I earn a worthwhile degree."
The three-star prospect chose FIU over an offer from Arizona. Schools such as Iowa State, Miami, Notre Dame, South Carolina, and others were also showing interest. They remain in the picture despite his pledge.
"I am a soft verbal," Rocker said. "I am entertaining all schools still. I am making a summer circuit to a bunch of summer camps and I will use all of my visits in the fall."
Rocker mentioned plans to visit Auburn, Central Florida, Florida State, Miami, and South Carolina for camps during the summer.