2015 WR Devante Peete (6’5, 180, 4.5/40) of Blanche Ely HS in Pompano Beach, FL is well on his way to being a national recruit. His blend of size and speed is rare and will be highly coveted. ”I’m getting a lot of interest from the University of Miami. I also get mail from Florida, Florida St., LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Purdue, Iowa, and North Carolina,” Peete said. “I think I’m close to my first offer from Purdue.”
Peete recently stood out at Al Golden’s first camp. “In one-on-ones, the coaches moved me to work out with the seniors. I feel I held my own against them,” he said. “I bonded well with Westminster Christian QB Hunter Boyett and I talked with Coach Golden, Coach (George) McDonald, and Coach (Brennan) Carroll during camp.”
Blanche Ely’s budding star reports he likes Miami’s program. “I’ve liked the Hurricanes since I was little. I was born in Miami, my dad is a big fan and my whole family loves Miami football. I’ve been watching them growing up, so I’m very interested in UM.”
Peete will also camp at USF, Miami again on June 21st, and FSU in July.
He talked about factors that will determine his college choice. “As of right now, I’m open to all schools. I would like to stay in state because I’d like for my family to see me play,” Peete said. “At the end of the day, I’ll choose what’s best for me and make my own decision based on what I feel best fits me.”
The young receiver talked about the importance of building relationships with his future coaches and teammates. “I need to click with my position coach, my fellow receivers, and my quarterback. My relationships with the head coach, quarterbacks coach, and offensive coordinator will be important because they have to be able to trust me.”
Early playing time will factor into his final decision. “It’s going to mean something to me to play early. It would be a dream to play and start as a freshman. It’s not going to be handed to me, but I’ll continue to work hard to accomplish that goal.”
Peete feels he creates mismatches in the passing game for Ely. “My size and speed are difficult to defend, and I can get up the field in a hurry,” he said. “I can get off the jam and run by corners, then make the difficult catches.”
He explained what he wants to perfect this offseason. “I’m working on my explosiveness, getting in and out of my cuts. I watch Andre and Calvin Johnson workout online, and I pattern my workouts after theirs.”
He has lofty goals for himself this fall. “Last year as a freshman I scored five TDs. My goal is to score 10 this year, lead Broward County in receptions and yards, and be the greatest WR to come out of Blanche Ely.”
Peete also competes in track and basketball. On the basketball court, he averages 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game. In track, he runs the 100M and 200M events.
He told Deep South Recruiting that the recent Miami Dolphins 7-on-7 event has helped him make his name more familiar to college recruiters. “It’s good to get the exposure,” Peete said. ”On Saturday, I scored seven TDs and posted two INTs. On Sunday, I scored twice, but we came up short. Mainly, I feel like I’m developing trust with my quarterback and know that will pay off in the fall.”
Peete’s uncle, Rodney Peete, played QB for USC and the Lions, Cowboys, Eagles, Redskins, Raiders, and Panthers in the NFL.
– Michael Bradley
