Anthony Schwartz isn't one for the limelight or being the center of attention, but on Thursday night the World Youth record holder announced his college decision in front of millions watching the Under Armour All-American Game on ESPN.
The two-sport standout held over two dozen scholarship offers from a who's who of football powerhouses and chose Gus Malzahn's Auburn Tigers over the University of Florida, and the University of Georgia. We had a chance to talk with Malzahn earlier this week at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and ask him about the importance of speed and recruiting track and field athletes.
It's better
to have fast guys than slow guys," he said.
Malzahn already has the signature of Chaminade Madonna senior Shaun Shivers who owns personal bests of 10.47 and 20.91, which are some of the best in the nation add in Schwartz and they could have two of the fastest freshman on the gridiron.
Schwartz, a senior at American Heritage is ranked as the 153rd best player in the nation overall, and 28th wide receiver in the nation according to 247 Sports. He played an instrumental at the Patriots fourth state championship in five years. On the track he's been nothing short of amazing.
He clocked a blazing 10.15 at the Florida Relays, making him the sixth fastest performer all-time. He bounced back from a disappointing injury at the state meet to finish second at the Adidas Dream 100, before an excellent showing at New Balance Nationals. The speedster was first in the 100m dash and runner-up behind Tyrese Cooper in the 200m.
At the prestigious The Opening at Nike HQ where he ran a blazing 4.27s 40 yard dash. To put that in perspective, only four people ran faster than that at the NFL Combine over the last ten years. He traded his cleats in for track spikes just a short time later at USA Juniors where he ran against the best U20 athletes in the country and finished 4th. That place earned him a spot on the relay pool for Team USA at Pan Am Juniors. Running his first lead off leg since the 7th grade, Schwartz helped the red, white, and blue quartet to a gold medal winning performance.
With time left until his national letter intent has to be signed, we will see if he remains solid in his commitment. The Gators, who were believed to be his early favorite are still interested as is the University of Houston. The Cougars with Olympian Carl Lewis at the helm have told Schwartz that they can develop him into a world class athlete.
Then there is the possibility of turning professional for track and field. Don't think it's too far fetched. He has goals of running under 10 seconds in the 100m dash. Hit that mark and some new doors could swing wide open.
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Anthony Schwartz isn't one for the limelight or being the center of attention, but on Thursday night the World Youth record holder announced his college decision in front of millions watching the Under Armour All-American Game on ESPN.
The two-sport standout held over two dozen scholarship offers from a who's who of football powerhouses and chose Gus Malzahn's Auburn Tigers over the University of Florida, and the University of Georgia. We had a chance to talk with Malzahn earlier this week at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and ask him about the importance of speed and recruiting track and field athletes.
It's better
to have fast guys than slow guys," he said.
