Offensive lineman Sterling Lovelady has committed to Florida State, The Pensacola News Journal is reporting. 

"They offered this morning, and he committed shortly thereafter," said Lashley, whose team went 3-7 in 2009. "(Lovelady) was excited. He's a calm, level-headed kid, but you could tell he was excited. It's a great opportunity for him."

Lovelady plays for Navarre High in (Pensacola area), one of the worst teams in the area.  Nonetheless, the 6'3" 275 LB lineman received interest from Florida, Miss. St, Clemson, Duke, and Syracuse.  Lovelady grew a ton in the last two years (per public Myspace photos) and has an extremely lean frame on which to add additional good weight.  Additionally, with interest from Duke and Syracuse, one could surmise that Lovelady is fairly intelligent, one of the qualities teams look for in a potential center.

Lovelady attended Florida State's junior day over the weekend and apparently impressed.  'Noles offensive line coach Rick Trickett traditionally likes to wait until later in the process to offer linemen because he wants to see them develop.  That Lovelady got an early committable offer speaks volumes about his intelligence, athleticism, potential, and fit in Florida State's Zone-Blocking Scheme.

In addition, D.C. Reeves reported on Twitter that:

Lovelady says he has a 3.1 GPA and a 21 on his ACT. He's considering early graduation to enroll w/FSU in spring. Says he's could get it done.

The 'Noles are looking to re-establish themselves in West Florida, an area that had become Alabama/ Auburn territory in the latter years of the Bowden administration.  This appears possible with the help of new QB coach and Mobile area standout Dameyune Craig, who coached the University of South Alabama before coming to Florida State.

Florida State plans to take 5 offensive linemen in this class and now has two committed.  Lovelady becomes the sixth commitment of the 2011 cycle, joining Ridge ATH Karlos Williams, First Coast RB Eric Beverly, Treasure Coast DBs Lamarcus Brutus and Keelin Smith, and Deland OL Trey Pettis.

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