Booker T. Washington’s Antonio Callaway chooses Florida Gators

Booker T. Washington, the three-time reigning state champion and winner of 41 games in a row, had 12 signees overall on National Signing Day.

The suspense surrounding some of the team’s top players ended quickly.

Wide receiver Antonio Callaway, who had the University of Miami as one of the top schools recruiting him, signed with the University of Florida.

Callaway caught 31 passes for 818 yards and seven touchdowns and led Miami-Dade County in receiving for the first seven weeks of the season before tearing his meniscus, which ended his season prematurely.

“I felt like Florida was the best place for me and they need some playmakers on offense,” Callaway said.

The Hurricanes signed running back Mark Walton as expected, and gained new linebacker as well.

James King, a pivotal member of the Tornadoes’ defense, switched from Florida Atlantic to join the Hurricanes.

King said he was committed to FAU until last week when he got what he called a a surprise offer from UM.

“UM came in last week and offered me,” King said. “I was expecting the U to come in, but things happen and I’m going to Miami. I just have to work hard and try to become the next Denzel Perryman or Ray Lewis.”

FAU swayed one of Booker T.’s top players when defensive back Ocie Rose switched to the Owls after having been committed to FIU.

FIU signed quarterback Maurice Alexander as expected.

Alexander led Miami-Dade County in passing with 31 touchdown passes and more than 3,000 yards.

Defensive back Davante Davis stuck to his commitment to the University of Texas.

Safety Terry Jefferson, who was honored for his 4.73 grade point average with a $5,000 scholarship from Burger King, signed with Florida A&M.

“It was a surprise and it felt great,” Jefferson said. “It’s good to be able to celebrate two things in one day. It’s great to know this can put a stamp on my high school journey. I’m blessed and happy to be in this situation.”

Rounding out the group were defensive back Catravis Hudson (Coffeyville Community College), defensive lineman Akeem Jackson (Alcorn State), wide receiver Vaquan Small (Samford) and offensive linemen Deiontae Lynch (Tuskegee) and Cesar Jimenez (Stillman College).

This story was originally published February 4, 2015 at 10:26 AM with the headline "Booker T. Washington’s Antonio Callaway chooses Florida Gators."