MKRob Sports

He was first noticed as a sophomore as a defensive end on a Plantation High football team that always has its share of talent. Last year, Ryan Shazier established himself as one of the top linebacker prospects in the state of Florida.

Over the weekend, after visiting the University of Florida, the 6-2, 205-pounder, made it official. He will become a Gator.

After talking things over with his family, Shazier decided that the University of Florida is the perfect fit for his many abilities.

“Ever since I first saw him play, I was impressed by how fast and athletic he is,” said South Florida Express coach Brett Goetz, who has worked with Shazier the past year. “He is not only a tremendous football player and athlete, but he is a great kid, and that Florida should understand before anything else.”

Shazier’s decision to attend Florida put an end to a recruitment that also included North Carolina, USF, Ohio State and UCLA.

From his defensive end position, the talented Shazier had 87 tackles and an impressive 19½ sacks last season and also had 28 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. And he did all of that in just 10 games, sitting out two with a minor knee injury.

Plantation lost to eventual state champion Miramar twice last season. Once in the regular season and the other in the playoffs.

Side note: I take particular interest in this guy for two reasons, #1 he plays at the high school I played for and #2 he’s wearing the number I wore when I played at Plantation.

GO RYAN SHAZIER!!!