Dwyer outside linebacker Jamal Gates is staying close to home after all.
The three-star recruit flipped his commitment from Colorado State to FIU, he announced Sunday via Twitter.
— 1️⃣2️⃣ Gauge (@Gatesjamal) January 29, 2017
Gates, the No. 22-ranked player on the Post’s Class of 2017 Big Board, played a key role for the Panthers on defense this season.
Dwyer linebacker Jamal Gates (No. 12) switched his commitment from Colorado State to FIU Sunday. (Photo by Allen Eyestone)
Dwyer, which finished 10-1 and advanced to the Class 7A regional semifinals, allowed just 6.2 points per game in 2016. The Panthers shut out five opponents, and gave up 8 points or less in 10 of 11 games.
Gates, 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, was named to the Post’s All-Area Large Schools Defense first team after finishing the season with 75 tackles, including 30 for loss, and 12 sacks.
He will join American Heritage defensive end/tight end Noah Curtis at FIU. Curtis, the Post’s No. 10-ranked player, committed to the Panthers last week.
FIU is coached by Butch Davis, who formerly coached at Miami and North Carolina, and also was an NFL coach with the Cleveland Browns. Davis took the Panthers’ job in November.
National Signing Day is Wednesday.
