DL Boyce picks Duke

Last night, three-star defensive tackle Brandon Boyce made a verbal pledge to Duke over offers from Rutgers, Western Kentucky, and Western Michigan. Assistant coach Scottie Montgomery attended Boyce's game in October and he told the Blue Devils staff about his potential.

Boyce said the combination of Duke's athletics and academics were factors in his decision.

"I've been talking to Duke since the offered me in October," noted Boyce. "The education is amazing. If you get a degree from Duke you can have a job anywhere after you graduate. The coaching staff are really good people. I just love it."

The Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) University School standout is planning to visit Durham in February. He wants to meet head coach David Cutcliffe and talk about the program.

"I talked to Coach (Derek) Jones and told him I'm ready," remarked Boyce. "I told him Duke is my school and he said to come up in February and sit down with Coach Cutcliffe."

The 6-foot-1, 250-pounder grew up a Florida State fan and he said if the 'Noles offered he would consider them. However, he likes the direction of the Blue Devils program and he doesn't plan on decommitting anytime soon. Boyce's teammate Chris Taylor is committed to Duke and the rugged lineman said it's a big reason he selected the ACC runner-up early in the process.

As a junior, 87 tackles with 22.5 for loss, 10.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.

Kynon Codrington is a Southeast Region football recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.