Duke offers Hillsborough’s Lovett

Posted Jun 9, 2010 by Bill Ward

Updated Jun 9, 2010 at 07:37 PM

Hillsborough rising senior Charles Lovett, the Terriers’ top receiver the past two seasons, landed his eighth college scholarship when Duke made him a pitch this week, Hillsborough coach Earl Garcia announced Wednesday.

The 5-foot-8, 175-pound Lovett was one of the county’s leading pass catchers last fall with 44 receptions for 1,108 yards eight touchdowns. He also has offers from the University of South Florida, East Carolina, New Mexico, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Colorado State and Towson (Md.) University. New Mexico is where Terriers quarterback Tarean Austin is headed to this fall while USF will be home to another of Lovett’s friends and teammates next fall, defensive back Terrence Mitchell.

Lovett said Duke appeals to him not just for the conference the Blue Devils play in (Atlantic Coast Conference), but also for its academic reputation.

“That’s a big part of the attraction of Duke,” said Lovett, who is already qualified under NCAA standards and currently holds a 3.1 GPA at Hillsborough. “I know with the education I would receive from Duke, I could graduate and find a good job.”

Lovett earned first-team honors on the Tampa Tribune’s 2009 all-Hillsborough County football team, as well as all-Western Conference honors. He also returned punts last fall, running two back for touchdowns. As a sophomore, Lovett led the Terriers with 34 catches for 703 yards and nine TDs.

“Charles is a can’t-miss college prospect and I don’t say that about too many players,” Garcia said. “He’s a great student, a great athlete and loves to work to improve. He’s a gym rat, a kid that’s one of the first to come to practice and the last to leave.”

Next fall, Lovett is expected to see time at defensive back for the Terriers. He will also add kick returns to his list of duties.

Lovett has been a starter since his freshman year at Hillsborough.