Berry shined at Miami NIKE Camp

Belle Glades (Fla.) Glades Central safety/wide receiver Damien Berry was one of the top overall performers at the recent Miami NIKE Camp, as he ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.4-second range, recorded about 15 repetitions on the bench press and turned in a vertical leap of over 34 inches. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound athlete currently has offers on the table from Miami, South Carolina, West Virginia and Rutgers, and could be on the verge of several more.

"I like all of the schools that have offered me, and also schools like Florida, Florida State, Alabama and NC State," Berry said. "I'm pretty open to anyone that offers me, though."

Berry, who scored five touchdowns in only two games played as a junior, has family ties to Miami.

"I'm real tight with Coach (Mario) Cristobal because he played ball with my dad back in the 80s," Berry said. "Miami is one of the top programs in the nation, and it seems like everything they do is right on point. They are just a great program."

South Carolina is Berry's most recent offer, and it's a program that has piqued his interest.

"That's a program I'm still learning about, but I do know Steve Spurrier took his Fun 'n Gun offense up there. It's a great offense for a wide receiver like me."

West Virginia, Florida and Rutgers round out the list of schools Berry commented on.

"Coach (Herb) Hand from West Virginia is a real cool guy, and so is Doc Holliday at Florida. He (Coach Holliday) is always blowing my phone up with text messages. Coach (Darren) Rizzi from Rutgers stands out to me, too."

Berry believes he brings several strengths to the table as a player.

"My aggressiveness, my speed and just my overall mentality," he said. "Those are the big things."

Berry will base his decision on several factors.

"I definitely want a chance to start as a true freshman no matter where I go. I also want to be on a team with a strong brotherhood and play for a good coaching staff."

Three teams currently top Berry's list.

"Miami, Florida State and NC State, and that's in order. I'll make my announcement at the state championship game."

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