Northeast

Northeast wide receiver Stacy Coley signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of Miami on Wednesday morning in the school’s auditorium.

Rated the fourth-best player at his position by ESPN, Coley chose the Hurricanes over schools such as Florida State this past Sunday after sitting down with his family.

“I thought it was just beneficial for me and my family,” he said. “Just stay home. I just hope I have the same success in high school and just help the U out with a national championship.”

Coley, a two-time member of The Miami Herald all-county First Team, finished with 29 catches for 513 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He runs a 4.57 40-yard dash.

The 6-1, 173-pounder said he appreciated the fans he had in current Canes Tracy Howard and Deon Bush, looking forward to playing with rather than against them like he did in high school. Coaching changes at FSU did not affect his decision, he said.

His high school coach, Donnell Bennett, is a former Miami fullback.

Northeast high school’s nickname, coincidentally, is also the Hurricanes. Coley said he grew up a Hurricane.

“It feels good,” said Coley, who was crying during the ceremony. “I relieved a big stress off my shoulder and I can be an average kid again.”

Also signing were William Rivera (Brown University), Kyante Belvin (Benedict College), Anthony Lawson (Tuskegee University), D. Jamal Wallace (Benedict College), Timonte King (Tuskegee University).

“This is just another chapter in the book of life for them,” Bennett said.

Christina De Nicola

Blanche Ely

Citing the ties that developed with former Blanche Ely teammate Avery Johnson over the past year, cornerback Rashard Robinson is headed to Baton Rouge to remain a Tiger at LSU.

“We talked a lot about school there and football,” said Robinson after making his National Signing Day announcement Wednesday. “And I spoke a lot to [LSU assistant] coach [Cory] Raymond. I’m so glad to get the decision over with.” His parents — Ely alums Carol Scrivens and former football standout Reginald Robinson — were among the crowd of 200 gathered at the school’s professional learning center celebrating the event.

Robinson, a 6-3, 175-pound cornerback, added that the opportunity to play in the SEC was a contributing factor to his decision over going to the University of Miami.

“I rank this a 10, as far as the most excited I’ve been in my life,” said Robinson, who led Ely with eight interceptions and 52 tackles. “I chose the SEC is the toughest conference, and many see it like a mini-NFL, and as a player that’s a challenge I’m looking forward to face.”

Ely coach Charles Hafley believes Robinson will also contribute to the LSU program with his kick return abilities, having scored twice on kick returns this season.

“I just told him to follow his hear,” Hafley said. “It’s been a hectic last 12 months in the recruiting process, and it’s just a matter of him and the other players listening to the right people and family.”

Two of his teammates, plus two basketball players also made commitments for their careers beyond high school.

Holly Dolcine (6-0, 265-pound OL) and Rashaud Marshall (5-11, 225 DL) both signed to play at Edward Waters College (NAIA) in Jacksonville.