Jason Mercier is heading south to begin his college football career.
The Atlantic defensive end announced his commitment to FIU Thursday afternoon, sharing the news on his Twitter account.
Mercier, a three-star recruit, picked the Panthers over numerous other Power 5 schools, among them Maryland, Louisville and Pittsburgh.
Mercier took an official visit to FIU last weekend.
“It felt as if we were already family while I was there, and it felt like home,” Mercier said. “(Head coach) Butch Davis is building something great. My family loves it there also. I also feel like I can make a big impact.”
Atlantic defensive end Jason Mercier committed to FIU Thursday afternoon. (Allen Eyestone/Palm Beach Post)
Mercier, 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, is the No. 9-ranked player on the Post’s Class of 2018 Big Board.
He and teammate Corey Gammage, a wide receiver, were the only players in the top 10 who remained uncommitted or unsigned. Gammage recently decommitted from Florida.
Mercier, who helped lead the Eagles to the Class 8A state championship game this season, finished with 62 tackles in 2017, including 22 for loss. He also had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles.
He was named to the Post’s All-Area Large Schools First Team Defense.
Mercier was one of three Atlantic players who were named Super 11 selections before the season.
He joins numerous former Palm Beach County football standouts at FIU.
Running backs Shawndarrius Phillips (Atlantic) and Josh Powell (Suncoast); defensive linemen Milord Juste (Palm Beach Gardens) and Noah Curtis (American Heritage); long snapper Hunter Arbit; linebacker Jamal Gates (Dwyer); guard James Cruise (Palm Beach Gardens); and wide receiver Thomas Owens played for the Panthers last season.
Cruise and Owens are seniors.