LANTANA – It has only been a few months at Santaluces for Curtis Douglas.
But the 2023 athlete is getting a lot of hometown love now, particularly when it comes to the college football recruiting circuit.
At this time, Douglas (6-foot, 200 pounds) has five offers, which includes the likes of FAU, FIU, Western Kentucky, Bowling Green, and McNeese State.
Douglas credits current Santaluces head coach Hector Clavijo for helping him get on the recruiting radar.
“It picked up this spring tremendously,” Douglas said of his recruitment. I’m very grateful for every opportunity. Can’t complain. Coach Hector put coaches in front of me. I just brought my hard work with me, and it earned me some Division 1 scholarships.”
Clavijo provided a quick commentary on Douglas, which you can see in the image nearby.
“Just the beginning,” Clavijo said. “Hidden gem in South Florida.”
Douglas spoke about FAU, the first collegiate school that extended an offer to him on April 25.
“FAU is a great program,” Douglas said. “I love the facility. The guys there are close like family. The connection between who knows who is similar because everyone knows someone that you know or heard things about them. It’s a big school, but everyone is connected. The coaches treat me like family, and I know some of the guys on the staff personally. It’s a great place to turn around and change for the better.”
Douglas said FAU is in the lead right now for his services on the next level.
“Those are my guys,” Douglas said. “They take care of me every time I come there and treat me how I’m supposed to be treated. I love the guys there because they show me the most love. I’m thankful that they are giving me this opportunity.”
Going back the high school level, Douglas (No. 25-ranked overall player in Palm Beach County; 2023 class) turned heads during the Santaluces spring intrasquad game on May 14. He was viewed as a standout on both sides of the ball from those who witnessed the action.
Douglas received positive commentary from Santaluces defensive coordinator Samuel Putmon.
“He’s the ultimate team guy and has one of the best work ethics I have seen for a high school player,” Putmon said. “He doesn’t miss a practice and always does what’s asked of him.”
Douglas touched on why he is playing for Santaluces now. He is a transfer from St. John Paul II, the private school where he played at for the past two seasons under head coach Kelcey Brooks.
“I love SJP (St. John Paul II) and always will they treat me like family,” Douglas said. “I love the school academically. It’s one of the best schools I attended. I went there for a fresh start and I thought I could make a way. I had a plan, but it failed.”
Douglas explained further.
“I was driving 47 minutes there everyday, so you know it was a lot,” Douglas said. “Santaluces is my home school, so I had to make that happen. It was the best decision I’ve made. I was paying way too much for gas every week. It was just too much.”
Now with the final high school destination set at Santaluces, Douglas wants to finish it out on top this fall.
“States,” Douglas said. “Nothing more, nothing less. And whatever comes with it, comes with it.”
PHOTO CREDITS: FAU Football
