Aelray Beach’s American Heritage High School senior Devin Singletary decommitted from the University of Illinois football program in order to play for Florida Atlantic University.

Though he originally committed to the Fighting Illini in November, Singletary knew days before National Signing Day that it wouldn’t be his future school. Despite knowing, he decided to wait until that day, Feb. 3, to make his announcement.

“FAU showed me love. When I went there it was like family.” Singletary said, while noting that he didn’t feel comfortable during his Illinois visit.

The running back’s success at American Heritage made him a priority for these schools. He set his school’s record for most rushing yards in a single game (302) and the second most rushing yards in the school’s history (4,975).

“That’s great honestly,” he said. “Big shout out to my linemen.”

He even earned the nickname “motor,” which was passed down from his dad, but was inspired by his running back abilities.

VROOOOOOMM!!!!! Motor is coming to FAU!! Welcome to the family!! @_motor_2 #FAUSUPER16 #WinToday pic.twitter.com/2P2RLoeGd0

— FAU Football (@FAU_football) February 3, 2016

Singletary, along with fellow incoming recruit James Charles, will join four Owl running backs who registered carries last season.

“I haven’t been anywhere, including here, where you haven’t gotten to the fourth or fifth running back over the course of the season,” head coach Charlie Partridge said. “We feel like both of these guys come in and bring quality depth and talent.”

Singletary just hopes to bring effort and good character to Boca Raton to try to get in the rotation.

“I’m going to be a leader, I’ll never slack, I’ll bring my all to the table every day,” he said. “Be known as one of the best, or the best.

Brendan Feeney is the sports editor of the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @feeney42.