Interview: 23-Offer 2019 Florida DB Dane Belton Updates FSU and UCF Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Much like on the gridiron, one has to watch Class of 2019 athlete Dane Belton closely on the recruiting trail, as things are moving fast. Belton was a standout for Jesuit (Tampa) last season at safety putting an end to 56 plays with four tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and picked off four passes. The 6-2, 186-pound, talent had racked up 16 offers before the second weekend in April, and has quickly added seven more scholarships to the collection. Over the past two weekends, the three-star recruit has visited Florida State and Central Florida. For the inside scoop, I sat down for a quick catch-up interview with one of the Sunshine State’s fastest rising stars.
*Click link for April 13, 2018, RNG video interview with Dane Belton
Interview
Dane, how are your offseason workouts coming along?
“They are good. We started spring practice today (Monday). We are getting ready. We have helmets this week and then we go pads next week.”
Are you excited to go full-pads?
“Oh yes. Definitely. Anytime I can put on the pads, I am doing what I love.”
What is the focus of your workouts as a defensive back this offseason?
“My reaction to plays, reading plays before the snap, and anything that will help my game on the field. I like getting a cheat from watching film before a game. Anything I can do to make more plays.”
Which aspects of your game are you focused on at receiver this spring?
“Securing the catch, making sure my QB knows he can throw it to me I will make the play, breaking tackles, and doing it all.”
Nice. With your total game, where are you seeing the biggest improvements this spring?
“I am getting stronger. After running track this spring, I am faster. Playing centerfield at safety, I can now go sideline to sideline even better. That will help me make plays and secure more tackles.”
Easy to say that college coaches love your game. How many offers do you have now?
“I have 23 offers now. I got one a few minutes ago.”
Which school offered you?
“Minnesota.”
*Belton’s offer list (no order): Missouri, South Florida, Maryland, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Rutgers, Tulane, Cincinnati, Toledo, Bowling Green, Western Kentucky, Massachusetts, Marshall, West Virginia, Temple, Pitt, and Central Florida
Congrats
“Thank you.”
Which schools have offered you recently?
“Pitt, UCF, Minnesota, UMass, and Georgia Tech.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Miami.”
Which schools have you visited recently?
“I went to Florida State last week (April 14) and I went to UCF on Saturday (April 21).”
How did the Florida State visit go?
“Florida State was a great visit. Their spring game was a good one and they had a great attendance. I like playing in front of a big crowd. They set an attendance record for their spring game. The team was making plays – it was a great overall event.”
What all did you do during your visit other than watch the game?
“I talked to Coach (Willie) Taggart (head coach) on Sunday. We talked about grades, the program, and things like that.”
What about the UCF visit, how did that go?
“It was a great visit as well. I saw their spring game. We didn’t tour the campus there. UCF has a good environment. I talked to Coach (Shane) Burnham (defensive line) before the game. He offered me then.”
Wow. What was it like getting an offer from UCF in person?
“That was great. My parents were there, they were excited. Coach Burnham had a genuine attitude towards me. He wants to keep Florida players in Florida. He said he is coming to see me this spring at school.”
That’s great. Do you have any upcoming visits planned?
“Not yet.”
Last question. When you take a visit, what are you looking at and/or evaluating with each school and program?
“I am looking at the campus, the school and academics – I ask questions about majors and I do research on the school beforehand. I look to see if the school is in the Top 100 with their academics. I also look to see how the student life is on campus – where they hang out and what they do for fun. I also look at the facilities, are they old or new? And, I pay attention to the coaching staff.”
Dane, thanks for your time today and good luck with spring ball.
“Thank you.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!
If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!
Photo credit: Belton family; Dane Belton