Brandon Marti, a versatile, two-way fullback and linebacker from Gulliver Prep signed a national letter of intent Wednesday to stay home and continue his football career next season at the University of Miami.

''I remember going to watch my brother practice at UM a few years ago,'' Marti said. 'It's an exciting thing to play at the `U.' I just have to be ready whenever they call my name. I think I'll have a great shot at special teams from the beginning.''

Marti, who finished the year with more than 100 tackles, made his decision in the fall after making a strong verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin.

The First-Team, All-Dade and Class 2A First-Team, All-State linebacker started at three different positions for the Raiders, who finished the year 8-2. Marti said, based on conversations with UM linebackers coach Michael Barrow, he will likely make an impact on special teams and possibly play some fullback.

The 6-1, 203-pounder was also being recruited by Wisconsin, Boston College, Utah, Syracuse, Air Force, Duke and UConn, according to Rivals.com.

Signing a national letter of intent to play for Duke University next year is standout Donovan Varner. The 5-9, 173-pound cornerback was ranked as Miami-Dade County's No. 18 best player to start out the season.

''I felt Duke was the best fit for me in the end,'' Varner said. ``The new coaches really like my play style and think I can make an impact right away at slot-receiver and special teams. I like what they offered me as far as football and an education.''

Varner led the Raiders to the Class 2A Regional Semifinal playoff game.

Rounding out the signing class for Gulliver Prep is quarterback Doug Papy (Fordham University), offensive lineman Andrew Bonner (Fordham University), Alex Scharf-Garcia (Wagner College) and First-Team All-State linebacker Erik Lichter (Northeastern University). Lichter was a menace on defense and led Miami-Dade County with 28 sacks and 11 forced fumbles.

''This is the culmination of the season for us,'' Gulliver coach Earl Sims said Wednesday. ``With everything that happened to us as a team, having these guys sign today makes me very proud. I've watched them grow as men and athletes and I think they all turned out well.''

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