On the eve of the 2013 NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships, Florida State coach Neil Harper is still working the recruiting, and has landed a big verbal commitment from one of the biggest remaining available men’s recruits: Aruban Olympian Jemal le Grand.
Le Grand finished 40th in the men’s 100 freestyle, swimming a 51.86. He trains with the Davie Nadadores and competes for Sagemont High School, where he is a two-time All-Broward selection.
He was the Florida 1A State Runner up in the 200 free with a 1:38.76 and the 100 free in 45.21. His best 100 long course free converts to about a 45.2 in yards, so that’s a pretty true conversion.
As an update on where Florida State sits in this recruiting class, the big recruit is Jason Coombs, who himself is 45.0 in the 100 free but specializes in the breaststrokes with a 54.89. They also signed in the fall Jason McCormick, yet another 45.0 freestyler who also goes 20.35 in the 50. The Seminoles are reloading their freestyle relays this year, and they’re doing a really good job of taking the in-state recruiting battle to the Florida Gators.
Le Grand’s commitment won’t become official until April 17th, when the regular signing period opens up for swimming and he can pen his name upon a letter of intent.
When I first saw the headlines, FSU signs OLYMPIAN, I was very impressed. Then I opened the article, saw Aruba, and my eyes glazed over…
an olympian is an olympian. no need to try an degrade his arubian status. i’m sure you would have represented a french colony if given the chance (if you didn’t represent france that is). great pick up for FSU!
The headline didn’t parlay too well. That said, signing a high schooler at 45.2 and 1:38 is a problem a great many other coaches would trade for. Good recruit.