Pop Saunders is a Gator

With speculation as to which 2011 prospect would announce his intentions to play for the Florida Gators running wild, it's now official. Pop Saunders is the first Gator commitment in the class of 2011.

"I told him I was glad to be a Gator an he said I made a good decision," Pop Saunders said of his conversation with defensive coordinator Charlie Strong this morning.

The 6-0 and 180-pound superstar from DeLand (FL) does a little bit of everything for head coach Kevin Pettis.

"Pop starts at running back, cornerback and punt returner," Pettis said.

Saunders was one of the most heavily recruited players for next year's class with offers from just about everyone in the country.

"Florida, Miami, Alabama, Georgia you name it they have all offered Pop. I'm telling you he is by far the best football player I have ever coached and it's not even close," Pettis Said.

DeLand is off to a 7-0 start in large part due to Saunders performance on the field. He has 120 carries for 1,000 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Saunders has added another 80 yards receiving on eight catches and two more touchdowns. He also has 580 return yards with three touchdowns. If that wasn't enough he is 4-for-4 passing for an even 100 yards.