Florida RB staying home

One of the Sunshine State’s budding programs has secured a big commitment.

Coral Springs (Fla.) Taravella running back Anthony Heard gave his verbal to Florida Atlantic this week, according to his coach.

“He was looking hard at FAU, FIU and South Carolina, but in the end, I think he chose to stay close to home,” Taravella coach Perry Schneider said. “He’s a Navy brat, so he’s spent his whole life bouncing from one place to another – Italy, China, Japan, San Diego. I think he just wants to call this home for a while.

“Howard Schnellenberger does a great job there, and they’re getting ready to move into the Sun Belt Conference. Plus, we have one of our kids from last year’s team at FAU, and a couple of kids I coached when I was at Deerfield. He liked what he heard from them.

“It’s a good fit, and let me tell you, FAU’s getting a heckuva player. He got a little bit overlooked down here because there’s just so much talent in this area, but he’s the real deal.”

As a senior, Heard (6-1, 215, 4.55) accounted for more than 2,300 all-purpose yards. He scored 16 touchdowns – nine rushing, three receiving and four on special teams.