WR Anthony Schwartz eyeing September commitment, future Nike sponsorship
https://www.seccountry.com/florida/anthony-schwartz-september-decision
Anthony Schwartz sets another PR
As the new John Ross cleats sat on display at Nike world headquarters, Anthony Schwartz showed why he may have a pair of his own one day.
The 4-star wide receiver from American Heritage High School (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.27 seconds last Saturday at The Opening. His time was a personal record.
“And that’s off coming off an injury,” he said. “I could go faster than that. I think I can run a 4.1.”
Schwartz was sidelined in May after pulling his hamstring at the FHSAA Track and Field Championships. The injury kept him from defending his 2016 titles in the 100m and 200m.
“It was so frustrating,” Schwartz said. “I wanted to repeat so bad. Then again, it’s only one meet. I have a lot more to go.”
Schwartz is the World Youth U18 record holder, running a nation-leading 10.15 seconds in the 100m at the Pepsi Florida Relays in early April. His time
broke the 2008 record set by former Florida running back Jeff Demps.
Like Demps, Schwartz will be a two-sport athlete in college. His speed was on display at The Opening during the fastest man competition and 7-on-7 tournament.
“If you’re in front of me, I’m burning you,” Schwartz said. “That’s my mind set.”
In a few years, Schwartz could be on Nike’s radar for a shoe deal in football or track.
“I already feel blessed that they recognized me as one of the top 166 recruits in the country,” Schwartz said. “Nike only sponsors the best athletes, so if they wanted to sponsor me it would be a dream come true.”
Anthony Schwartz nearing decision
The Under Armour All-American will be making his verbal commitment soon.
Schwartz plans to decide in September after visiting five SEC programs: Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee.
“I’m excited because I’m going to all the schools I’m thinking about,” Schwartz said. “Once I do that, I should have a good idea of where I want to go.”
Right now, that would be Florida. The Gators took the lead for Schwartz in the spring and they remain his front-runner heading into the final stretch of his recruitment.
“They communicate with me every day and I really like what they’re doing over there,” Schwartz said of the Gators. “They think I can take the top off a defense and they’ll have me doing routes that will get me in space.
“I can definitely make a mark there. My goal for college is to win a national championship in football and track, and I’m able to do that at Florida.”
As for life after college, Schwartz doesn’t know if he’ll pursue a professional career in football or track. He plans to determine that while in school.
“I enjoy doing both,” Schwartz said. “It’s kind of a good predicament to be in.”