Exclusive: Bartram Trail RB Eric Weatherly reveals college decision

Editor's Note: Bartram Trail rising senior running back Eric Weatherly has written the following first-person story to announce where he'll play college football.

The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Weatherly had 345 rushing yards, 522 receiving yards, 574 yards and 11 scored total touchdowns in 2020. Weatherly earned first-team honors on the All-First Coast Team and Class 8A all-state teams.

He has more than 20 offers, including Air Force, Coastal Carolina, Duke, FAU, Kentucky, Liberty, Middle Tennessee State, Navy and USF. 

I’ve been dreaming to go to the next level and playing college football for a long, long time. Probably since I was 10 years old.

I wanted it because it felt like it was something I had to work for and when you have to work for something the outcome is way better. I would rather go work out and work for something than have something given to me.

That’s how my parents raised me. They showed me that you have to work for things that you want. And it makes you feel better at the end than if someone is just giving it to you.

I am so thankful for everyone who recruited me, who helped me along this journey and gave me opportunity to play at the next level.

I got my first offer the spring after my freshman year. I didn’t really expect it, but it helped me work harder. I used it as motivation. If they think I’m good now, just wait until later.

Earlier:Bartram Trail all-state RB Eric Weatherly ready to announce college choice

I’ve always been competitive and strive to be the best I can. When I was a freshman we had a rising senior on the team who said, ‘I’ll bet you money I can run you over.’ I said, ‘OK, stay after practice.’ We hit each other so hard. But I love stuff like that. I love being competitive.

It means a lot to me to be in this position.

It’s kind of like all the hard work is slowly paying off. I always want to be great. I always want to be not only a better football player, but a better man also.

And I’ve found the place where I can do both.

I’m blessed to say I’ll be spending the next 4-5 years at Duke University.

They’re not only a Power 5 school, but I’m also very big on academics. Ever since I started getting scholarships, I wanted to get the most out of it. Going to Duke is pretty much like going to an Ivy league school. At some point football is going to end and I want to have other things to help me in life beyond sports.

Duke’s campus is beautiful. It’s like I was in a dream with the castles, nature and the friendly environment. I loved it.

The coaching staff felt so much like Bartram. Everyone was a family, just like Bartram. They were all so sincere and I liked everybody I came in contact with. There wasn’t anyone I met that I didn’t like.  

I can’t wait for the journey ahead of me.

#dukegang