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HIGH-SCHOOL

Sandalwood football star Malik Greaves commits to Vanderbilt

Safety said academics and the allure of the SEC was a perfect fit

Justin Barney

Sandalwood safety Malik Greaves liked what he heard from Vanderbilt so much that he didn't need to hear any more.

Greaves (6-3, 205) verbally committed to the Commodores Monday morning, opting to get his college choice out of the way so he can concentrate on football the rest of his time in high school.

"First I wanted to play in the SEC and second I wanted to get a good degree," Greaves said.

Greaves had offers from a dozen colleges. He also looked at Duke, South Florida and Virginia, but felt the combination of Vanderbilt's academics and its home in the SEC was the perfect fit for him.

"He's a heck of a player, he's a phenomenal player for us," said Sandalwood coach Adam Geis. "It's the best of both worlds for him. It's like $60,000 a year to go there, which I had no idea it was that much until a coach told me. Plus, you get to play in the SEC."

Greaves is the first player in Sandalwood's 2013 class to commit, and he won't be the last.

Defensive end DeMarcus Walker, who accepted an invitation to the Under Armour All-America game last week, is one of the nation's top recruits who has already visited Alabama. Quarterback Parker Boehme also has several offers. 

Greaves' commitment marks the third consecutive day that an area player has pledged to a college. First Coast safety/linebacker Tyrell Lyons (Florida State) and Fleming Island safety/linebacker Dorel Elam (Louisville) committed Saturday and Sunday, respectively.