Peter Holland Jr/Contributing Writer
It’s not every day a high school football recruit verbally commits to FIU. It is also pretty rare for FIU to have a high school football recruit verbally commit to FIU and are twins. That’s right the Panthers have identical twins, Douglas and Dallas Connell verbally committed to FIU on May 7. These two pair of offensive linemen out of Treasure Coast High School, located in Jacksonville, Florida, received their first offer from FIU and took every advantage of the opportunity. The Connell Brothers will be the first two commits for the Panther’s class of 2016 recruits.
The brothers provide versatility and athleticism as an O-linemen. Both started for their high school team for three seasons, this coming season included. Douglas, 6’3 280 pounds, started both offensive guard and center in his high school career so far. He is ranked number 13th center in the country and ranked 166 overall in the state of Florida, according to 24/7 sports.com Dallas, however, only five pounds lighter, played both guard and right tackle in his high school career. Dallas is ranked number 86 offensive guard in the country, and ranked 163rd overall in the state of Florida.
It won’t be easy for the dynamic duo to commit very early, knowing that there will be more college teams that will be interested in the two as they are preparing for their final season in treasure coast High. As much as the Panthers are excited to have both Dallas and Douglas as part of the FIU Family, it won’t be official until they both sign their letter of intent, making them the FIU’s signee. We have to wait until next February, which is National Signing Day. Can the two brothers stay loyal for the next nine months? We have to wait and see.
Great article about great kids. The name of their high school is First Coast High School.