Werner finds a home

After signing with NC State during the Herb Sendek regime, asking to be released from his National Letter of Intent when Sendek left for Arizona State and considering a handful of other schools in the last two months, Dan Werner has found a college home.

The 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward from Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, N.J. verbally committed to Florida on Saturday after evaluating a number of high-major schools.

Werner's father, Ron, confirmed his son's decision with Rivals.com on Saturday afternoon.

"(Dan) felt comfortable with coach (Billy) Donovan and liked the area down there," Mr. Werner said. "Academically they have his major and have a great business program and I think in the end he felt the most comfortable in that situation."

Werner made visits to Kentucky, Pitt, Rutgers, NC State and Notre Dame before making his final decision on Florida, where he visited on June 3. As a skilled big man with a 7-foot wingspan, Werner became an instant hot commodity when he announced that he would explore his options after Sendek left for Arizona State.

"At one point Dan told me it was like having 15 girlfriends at the same time," Mr. Werner said. "Coaches were calling, leaving messages, texting him. It just didn't stop. His high school coach (Ed Wicelinski) was a great to have help in the process. He fielded a lot of the calls and looked for a place that would be a good fit for Dan."

The Gators have a skilled big man in Werner to add to an already strong and deep frontline. Werner joins a strong 2006 recruiting haul for the Gators. Donovan and his staff signed guards Brandon Powell and Doneal Mack as well as forwards Jon Mitchell and Marreese Speights. Florida has been hard at work in 2007 as well, securing early commitments from three in-state players - Adam Allen, Gary Clark and Nick Calathes.