- November 6, 2024
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Brandon Smith is headed to Cumberland; Tim Morley and Zach Smith will go to Ave Maria University.
Brandon Smith
Sport: Football
School: Cumberland University
Brandon Smith, who played football for Matanzas High School, signed his letter of intent to play football at Cumberland University, in Lebanon, Tenn.
Cumberland University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and a member of the Mid-South Conference. Cumberland posted an 8-3 record in 2010, and missed qualifying for the NAIA playoffs following an overtime loss on the final game of the season.
Smith was a three-year varsity player for the Pirates and was sought after by 23 schools, according to coach Keith Lagocki.
Smith recorded 37 solo tackles and a sack in his senior season for the Pirates and combined for 64 total tackles.
“Brandon is the kind of student-athlete who any school would want to have,” Lagocki said. “I’m very proud that he will be continuing to play football, but more proud that he will be getting his college education for free.”
Tim Morley
Sport: Football
School: Ave Maria University
Tim Morley, who played football at Matanzas High School, signed his letter of intent to play football at Ave Maria University, in Ave Maria.
Ave Maria University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and a member of the Sun Conference. Next season will be the inaugural football season for the Gyrenes. Barry Fagan will be the coach. Fagan attended Ave Maria and also played football under Joe Paterno at Penn State University.
Morley played one season for the Pirates after moving to Flagler County from Rexburg, Idaho. In one season with Matanzas, Morley became the Pirates’ statistical leader in passing yards per game (141.5), season passing yards (1,415) and touchdowns (nine).
“Tim was an absolute pleasure to coach,” said Pirates coach Keith Lagocki. “He came to practice every day with a great attitude and always wanted to work hard to get himself and his team better. I expect him to compete for a starting position as a freshman (at Ave Maria).”
Zach Smith
Sport: Baseball
School: Ave Maria University
Zach Smith, who played baseball at St. Joseph Academy, in St. Augustine, signed a full scholarship to play baseball at Ave Maria University, in Ave Maria.
Ave Maria University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and a member of the Sun Conference. Ave Maria went 21-24 last season.
Smith, who is a Palm Coast resident, was a four-year varsity player for St. Joseph Academy in baseball and also played football and golf. At age 12, Smith won the AAU Division II state championship with the Flagler Bulldogs, in 2004.
Smith had more than 100 hits as the leadoff hitter and more than 200 strikeouts as a pitcher for the Fighting Flashes. Smith also played centerfield.
At Ave Maria, Smith will compete for playing time as a pitcher and centerfielder.