Michael Palardy to Tennessee!

After months of visiting colleges and listening to what many had to offer, St. Thomas Aquinas kicker/punter Michael Palardy made his decision.

Rated as the No. 1 prospect at his position nationally, it came down to the University of Tennessee and LSU. On Thursday night, the talented special teams player made his exclusive announcement on the Miami Dolphins High School Gridiron Show on WQAM (560 AM) with D.A. and Larry Blustein.

"It's Tennessee," Palardy said.

His decision to attend Tennessee came down to his meetings with head coach Lane Kiffin and assistant coach Eddie Gran, who had recruited former St. Thomas Aquinas standout Wes Byrum when he was at Auburn.

"Knoxville felt like home," Palardy said. "Coming from Fort Lauderdale, it gave me a sense of being in a city and a small town all rolled into one."

As a junior, Palardy had three field goals, including a long of 33 yards. He was 76 of 78 on extra-point attempts and was remembered for his booming kickoffs in the state championship win over Lakeland.

Palardy becomes yet another major college prospect who was groomed by Tim Conrad. The "guru" of special teams performers has sent several kickers on to some of the top programs in the country, with Byrum and Michigan State senior Brett Swenson being among the most recognized.

ROBISKIE TO WESTERN ILLINOIS
From the time he entered school at Chaminade-Madonna, receiver Kyle Robiskie was just looking to make a name for himself.

The son of former Miami Dolphins' coach Terry Robiskie, and the brother of former Ohio State and current Cleveland Browns standout Brian Robiskie, who made the move to Cardinal Gibbons for his senior season, had the chance to stand in his own spotlight on Thursday when he made his own collegiate decision.

The 6-1, 180-pounder announced that he will be attending Western Illinois University.

"Great decision for Kyle," said Offensive Coordinator Matt Dubuc. "He is the kind of young man who continued to get better and better, and I believe his best years are certainly ahead of him."