Centennial's Jay-nard Bostwick chooses Florida over Miami and Alabama

Wednesday, February 06, 2013
by Alyssa Barbieri

Centennial’s Jay-nard Bostwick, shown Wednesday before announcing his decision, said he picked Florida because he was told he will have a good chance at playing early in his career. (TCPalm.com photo)

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Heading into high school his freshman year, Jay-nard Bostwick never expected to go to college. But that changed when he started playing football at Centennial and the letters from universities started rolling in.

Bostwick's dream of attending college became reality on Wednesday morning when he signed his letter of intent to play football at the University of Florida.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive lineman, who also had offers from Alabama and Miami, was thought to sign with the Hurricanes in order to remain close to home, but Bostwick knew that he had to play with the best in the Southeastern Conference.

He made his decision Tuesday night, citing Florida's coaching staff and the team's potential as BCS contenders as reasons for his decision.

"I thought about the SEC and the opportunity I have with the Gators," Bostwick said. "I knew they're a competitive team and they have a good chance to go to another bowl game."

While Florida couldn't promise him anything, Bostwick said the coaching staff did tell him there's a good chance of him playing as a true freshman.

"I know I have a good opportunity to have early playing time and it's in the SEC," he said. "I've got to go where the best competition is."

Also, Centennial offensive guard Justin Martinez signed his letter of intent to play for Western Kentucky.

Also, Port St. Lucie quarterbackl D.J. Juste signed with Florida Atlantic, citing the chance to play quarterback and not be moved to receiver.