Wayne Times, Miami Northwestern's most versatile player this season, has decided to stay home for college.

Times, a 5-11, 167-pound senior, committed to FIU Wednesday nearly three weeks after receiving a scholarship offer from the Golden Panthers.

''I told my mom right after they offered me and we talked about it and we felt like it was the right thing to do,'' Times said. ``There's nothing like having a chance to have family close by to watch you play.''

Times played a pivotal role in helping Northwestern become the first Miami-Dade County team to advance to three consecutive state championship games. After spending most of his junior season as a backup quarterback to University of Miami freshman Jacory Harris, Times excelled at multiple positions during his senior year.

Times was the most effective at wide receiver, catching 38 passes for 584 yards for six touchdowns, which ranked fifth among Dade Class 6A-4A receivers.

Times also played quarterback, running back and returned punts for the Bulls, who went 13-2. Times threw for 476 yards and four touchdowns, while splitting time at quarterback with sophomore Teddy Bridgewater, and returned a punt for a touchdown in Northwestern's regional final win against Killian.

Times is the second Northwestern player to commit to FIU recently, joining linebacker Kenneth Dillard, and one of eight South Florida recruits that have done the same so far.

Times said he believes he'll have a chance to compete for playing time at more than one position at FIU should he sign with the Golden Panthers Feb. 4. He looks forward to playing with former Northwestern defensive back Anthony Gaitor, and former Miami Springs athlete T.Y. Hilton at FIU.

''I think they want me to play in a role similar to Percy Harvin [at the University of Florida] where he can make a big play anywhere on the field,'' Times said. ``Those guys over there now are already having success, and from talking to Gaitor and T.Y., I think they're closing to doing something special.''

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