Plant rising junior cornerback Derrick Baity has received his first scholarship offer, from USF, he said Saturday.
Baity’s coaches told him about the offer following the Panthers’ participation at the USF Sling 'N Shoot 7-on-7 tournament on Saturday.
“It feels so good,” Baity said. “I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling yet.”
The 6-foot-3 Baity had flown under the radar until this spring, where his size, skill and potential caught the attention of coaches – his own and from visiting colleges. He continued his streak of impressive performances at the USF tournament, holding his own against some of the top receivers there.
“I’ve always lined up against the best in practice,” he said. “So I was prepared for them. I wasn’t that surprised.”
Baity said he would strongly consider USF because “it’s close to him and I’m really family oriented.”
Baity is the sixth Plant player to have earned a college scholarship offer this spring.
Joel Anderson can be reached at janderson@tampabay.com or on Twitter @jdhometeam.