by ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

TAMPA – The University of Miami might be a late entry in the sweepstakes for Plant quarterback Robert Marve, but the Hurricanes seem to be right on time.

Marve returned to Tampa from a weekend visit to Coral Gables thoroughly impressed with the campus, athletic facilities, and Miami’s academic program. He stopped short of saying Miami was his No.1 choice, but would like to visit the campus again.

“It was a great school. Great academics. You’re down in Miami, so you can’t really run out of stuff to do outside of football,” Marve said. “When my five years are up, I will have to get a job. Miami is a nice spot to settle down, and to get your name out there by staying in state, that could be pretty cool.

“With me being a finalist for Mr. [Florida] Football, it could be pretty big [to play for Miami].”

Marve committed to Alabama over the summer, but coach Mike Shula was fired after the season. He visited Alabama last week and met coach Nick Saban, and even though Marve remains committed to the Crimson Tide, he is examining other options.

Miami coach Randy Shannon served as a defensive coordinator for the last six years before replacing Larry Coker last month, and Marve has quickly developed a good relationship with the new coach.

“It was more than I expected from the coaches. We established a good friendship, and I was very comfortable. I got to talk to them about whatever was on my mind, I could be up front with them and they could be up front with me,” Marve said. “Miami is right there with Alabama. I have to sit down with my family so more. We need to do some more research, make sure everything is right, and give them the same shot as we did Alabama.”

Marve said he intends to visit the University of Hawaii this weekend, but does not intend to use the final two visits he is allotted by the NCAA.

JEFFERSON TRIO COMMITS: Jefferson senior offensive/defensive lineman Mike Williams, defensive lineman Demarcus Cleveland and tight end Byron McLeod verbally committed to play for Middle Tennessee State University after weekend visits.

The Dragons join Armwood running back Marquise Branton, Armwood receiver Deondre Kyles, Berkeley Prep offensive lineman Colin Boss and Kathleen quarterback Dominique Davis as Bay area athletes who have decided to play for the Blue Raiders.

Williams, who recently received the Jimbo Kynes Award, given to the top lineman in Hillsborough County, chose MTSU over Indiana, N.C. State and Florida A&M. Even though he plays on both sides of the line, Williams is being recruited to play offense.

“I’ve been talking to them for past year and I really liked the coaching staff. I thought I would go there if it was as good as they made it sound, but after my visit, it was better than they made it sound,” Williams said. “I’m done taking visits. That is my school.”

ARMWOOD LB COMMITS: Armwood seniors Derrall Anderson and Deondre Kyles made verbal commitments over the weekend, coach Sean Callahan said Sunday.
Anderson, a linebacker and a Tribune All-Hillsborough County honorable mention selection this season, has committed to Arizona State. Anderson was scheduled to visit Iowa State this weekend but chose to cancel after committing to the Sun Devils, Callahan said.

Kyles, one of the top returners in the area, is headed to Middle Tennessee State. Kyles will join teammate Marquise Branton, who also has committed to the Blue Raiders. Kyles was a Tribune second-team selection.

Meanwhile, quarterback Justin Hickman is still in the process of making a decision to committ to either VMI or Morehead (Ky.) State. A decision could come as early as today, Callahan said.

Hickman visited Morehead State, which is recruiting him as a running back/receiver, this weekend. He visited VMI, which will give him the chance at quarterback and runs the same offense as the Hawks, the previous weekend.

With kicker Darren deRochemont (Tulane) and defensive lineman Torrey Davis (Florida), the Hawks will have six seniors from this season’s team sign college scholarships. The Hawks had a program-best seven twice (in 2000 and 2003), Callahan said.

THE BOSS CHOSES MTSU: Berkeley Prep senior offensive lineman Colin Boss verbally committed to Middle Tennessee State prior to his recent visit, choosing the Blue Raiders over Murray State, Charleston Southern and Central Michigan.

“I’ve been up there a couple of times and really enjoyed the campus. I’m looking to major in criminal justice and liked the programs they offered,” Boss said. “With all the guys from around here going there, it’s going to be a great four years.”

NEARLY COMMITTED: Jefferson receiver Evan Cromer is leaning heavily toward attending Eastern Kentucky after a weekend visit, while Newsome offensive lineman Chaz Hine may verbally commit to Florida Atlantic University this week.

Cromer fell in love with the campus, but still intends to visit the Air Force Academy and Middle Tennessee State. However, each school needs top his Eastern Kentucky visit.

“I really liked it. It was a great school, and everything about the facility and coaches were top notch,” Cromer said. “If I had to make a decision right now, I would go to Eastern Kentucky.”

Hine said he enjoyed a weekend visit to Florida Atlantic, but Owls coach Howard Schnellenberger said he would contact the Newsome standout by Wednesday. FAU has not offered Hine a scholarship yet, but if it happens, he will accept. If not, Hine will visit Southern Illinois, which has offered him a scholarship, this weekend.

Reporter Adam Adkins contributed to this report.