TAMPA, FL. – Carrollwood Day’s Brandon Cleveland is entering his junior year. But he already has the body and skillset of a college player.

“He’s goes about 6’3”, 260lbs, and what I like about him he plays with leverage, he plays aggressive, he’s quick off the ball and he finishes the play,” said 247/Sports and CBS Sports recruiting analyst Josh Newberg. “When you turn on his film you can see he can play all along the defensive line as a tackle or defensive end.”

Ranked as a one of the best defensive linemen in the 2022 recruiting class, Cleveland had been mulling offers from several Power 5 teams.

“Decide on a college soon and whatever best fits – with the coronavirus it is tough now – but time will tell,” said Cleveland.

Not long after that statement, Cleveland was ready to make his decision – exclusively with Spectrum Sports 360. Cleveland chose The U – Miami.

The pick blew up on social media. While fans and analysts attempted to rationalize his thinking, Cleveland said it was simple – Miami saw his potential early.

“It was the first Power-Five school to offer me,” said Cleveland.

Finally, announcing his choice was a relief for a young man who was hoping to make his mom proud by choosing a school with a good team and better academics.

“My mom and my family and friends all had influence in making me a better person and who I am today,” said Cleveland

“I’m just so proud of my son,” said Sonia Dickens. “It is a wonderful school and I am just here to support him all the way through.”

Cleveland is confident he made the right choice in choosing a school known for its history of tenacious defense.

“It’s a great program and I could be a really great athlete there and possibly make it to the NFL,” said Cleveland.

But what Cleveland really hopes to do is help return The U to being The U.

“I definitely want to help them be a better team – like they used to be,” Cleveland said.