Marder commits to UConn

Orlando (Fla.) Lake High Prep athlete Michael Ellis Marder visited Connecticut a couple weeks ago and worked at the Huskies' camp. That visit helped to influence Marder's decision on Thursday to pledge to Paul Pasqualoni's Big East squad.

"I just committed," Marder said. "I felt the most comfortable there. When I took my visit and did the camp, I loved the coaches and everything about it. I liked the campus and just felt real comfortable up there. The campus was kind of away from everything, it was different, different from Florida and there was something that I liked about it."

The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder expects to line up in the defensive backfield at Connecticut.

"They will most likely use me as a safety," Marder said. "They want to try me out at corner but most likely they expect me to get bigger and they will put me at safety."

Prior to making his commitment, Marder also visited Indiana, Northwestern, and Purdue. His only other offer was from Tulane. He said that the primary reason Connecticut stood out from those other schools is the people he dealt with while on campus.

"It was really my relationship with the coaches," Marder said. "I have a great relationship with Coach (Darrell) Perkins, who is one of the defensive back coaches. I had a great connection with him. So it just worked out."

According to the Central Florida prospect, his recruitment is over and his decision is final.

"I am definitely going to UConn," Marder said.

As a junior, Marder had 11 pass breakups and an interception. He also contributed on offense where he scored three touchdowns.