Kronk, Peak and Villar sign at Land O’ Lakes

Posted Feb 3, 2010 by Eddie Daniels

Updated Feb 3, 2010 at 02:58 PM

When Tyler Peak went to bed Tuesday night, he wasn’t exactly sure what was next for him as far as football was concerned. One would presume his collection of 928 rushing and 123 receiving yards and nine scores for the Land O’ Lakes football team would be proof of his ability.

His uncertainty was cleared up Wednesday morning when Jacksonville University offered him a scholarship.

Peak joined teammate Patrick Kronk and Gators soccer player Frank Villar in signing National Letters of Intent Wednesday at the school. Kronk will play at American International University in Springfield, Mass., while Villar, still recovering from an ACL repair, will play at Florida Atlantic University.

“I wanted to play, but I wanted to stay close to home,” Peak said. “But once I got this opportunity, I decided to go with it. It’s the perfect opportunity.”

Former VMI safeties coach Danny Verpaele had been watching Peak from Virginia, but when Verpaele, a former USF defensive back, recently moved on to become the Jacksonville University secondary coach, he kept in contact with Peak.

By his senior season, Kronk expected to play football on the college level and Wednesday afternoon just affirmed his thoughts.

“I put in a lot of hard work over the last four years, so I knew it would pay off eventually,” Kronk said.

Tom Carter, who coach Kronk on the offensive line, said his player was well-deserving of this opportunity.

“He’s a coach’s dream,” Carter said. “Fortunately he’s talented. And when I say a coach’s dream, he does what you ask him to do without question; works hard without question. Anytime you expect something from him, he doubles your expectations.”

Villar, who suffered an injury to his right ACL, which cut his senior season short, was just glad FAU would take a chance on him.

“It’s nice. I’m happy with it,” said Villar, a defender.