Meyer, Strong land five-star 2011 recruit Saunders

Five-star 2011 athlete De’Ante “Pop” Saunders of DeLand High School has verbally committed to the Florida Gators, according to the Orlando Sentinel. One of the top players in the nation, Saunders received a written scholarship offer via fax at DeLand and immediately called defensive coordinator Charlie Strong to commit to the Gators.

Saunders, Central Florida’s leader in rushing yards with exactly 1,000, upon receiving the Gators’ offer, asked his high school coach Kevin Pettis to call the Gators back and tell them he was committed. — Orlando Sentinel

Saunders plays offense (wingback), defense (cornerback) and is a return specialist for undefeated DeLand, and his commitment a huge coup for the Gators this early into the recruiting process. “It was a place that I always wanted to go,” Saunders said. “Once I saw they had a full ride for me, I knew I that was what I wanted to do. I always liked Florida, even when I was little.”

“Florida likes him for both offense and defense,” Saunders’ coach Petts said. “They just like him as an athlete. He’s probably the most talented punt returner I’ve been around.”