- January 11th, 2007, 9:14 am
#52275
We've added a pair of Floridians to the recruiting class:
Manatee's Hart, Hodges to attend Libertyhttp://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/ ... 432167.htm
JOHN LEMBO
Herald Staff Writer
There was a time in middle school when Spencer Hodges was getting bullied, and Chris Hart got his back. The two forged a friendship that is strong to this day, and now Hodges will get a chance to protect Hart.
Hodges, a lineman at Manatee, has verbally committed to Liberty University, a Division I-AA school in Virginia. Hart, a quarterback at Southeast, said he plans on committing to Liberty this afternoon.
The two, along with Manatee linebacker Austin Jensen, visited Liberty together. It was there where Hodges and Hart - who were in the same homeroom during middle school - decided on Liberty.
"I protected him, and now he can protect me," Hart said.
Hodges was drawn to Liberty's Christian values, choosing the Flames over Kansas, Akron, Florida Atlantic, Ball State and Miami (Ohio) - all of which made him offers.
"It's a Christian college . . . that's pretty much the reason why I'm going there," said Hodges, who helped lead Manatee to consecutive regional titles. "I like all the rules that they have."
Hodges, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during the second round of the playoffs, said he'd prefer to redshirt as a freshman. But he'd be all for playing, too.
Hart, a two-time All-Area second team selection, said he may redshirt, as well, but was told he may have a chance to start after that.
Hart said Ohio University had shown him some interest - just not as much as the Flames did.
"They showed me a lot of caring and a lot of love," Hart said, "like I was already on their team."
The Flames went 6-5 overall and 2-2 in the Big South Conference in 2006. In his first year at Liberty, Danny Rocco was named the conference's coach of the year.
--Fumble (1961-2009), RIP
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