Gators snag seventh commitment

The University of Florida football commitment list grew one bigger last Saturday when Bradenton (Fla.) Southeast defensive tackle Terron Sanders gave his verbal commitment to head coach Urban Meyer.

"Coach Meyer and (tight ends) coach (Steve) Addazio told me they couldn't officially offer when I was at the (Gator) camp (in June)," the 6-1, 295 pound Sanders said. "They said, 'We can't officially offer you a scholarship but consider yourself offered.' Then, they said they wanted to get in touch with my coaches and look at a little more game film. They called (Southeast head) coach (Paul) Maechtle on Friday and told him that they needed me to call them. Coach Meck left me a message on my answering machine letting me know to call the University of Florida.

"I called them on Saturday afternoon about 2 p.m. and coach Addazio said, 'Here is the deal: we want you to come play football for the University of Florida and we want you to commit.' I said, 'Well let me have some time to discuss it with my family and I will get back to you.' They asked me how much time I would need and I said until about Thursday. And they said that was fine. So, then I talked to my family and they said do what I feel was right. So I called coach Addazio that same day and told him, 'I am not going to make you wait coach, I am coming to Florida.'"

Sanders is the Gators' seventh verbal commitment for the Class of 2006. Sanders said he chose the Gators over offers from Ohio State, Ole Miss, Florida State, South Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee.

As a junior, Sanders racked up 70 tackles and led his team with 7 1/2 sacks. He earned second-team Class 3A All-State honors as well as first-team All-Area and All-County honors.

While the July 4 weekend is always significant every year, the 2005 edition for the Sanders' family will be one for the ages.

To watch Terron Sanders in action, click hereClick "It was just a great day for me and a great day for my family," Sanders said of his commitment.Here to view this Link. for exclusive video clips (you must have Ultimate Ticket subscription).

NOTE: Look for a more in-depth story on the commitment of Terron Sanders in a premium update Wednesday morning. If you're not a InsidetheGators.net subscriber, check out our 7-DAY FREE TRIAL and get the best Gator football, basketball and recruiting coverage on the internet!