Bishop Moore transfer LB Giacomo Sanfilippo commits to Kansas State | Football Insider

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Bishop Moore transfer linebacker Giacomo Sanfilippo and Lake Brantley defensive back Braylon Woodson became the first two Orlando-area college football FBS commitments for the 2027 class this past weekend.

Sanfilippo, who spent his first three high school seasons at Winter Park, is the No. 7-ranked player in the Sentinel’s 2027 Central Florida Super60. The 6-foot-1, 224-pound linebacker committed to Kansas State on Sunday during a visit to the school. He picked K-State over offers from Illinois, Louisville, Buffalo and Coastal Carolina. His official visit will be at the end of May.

“It was a really good trip. I was there for the weekend and just made my commitment,” Sanfilippo said. “It was great. I liked their facilities and the town, but what really made me commit was the coaching and the staff. They’re all really in unity.”

Kansas State is getting a fresh start with new head coach Collin Klein, the Wildcats former quarterback (2009-12).

“I really love the staff. Coach Klein is a super humble guy and he’s all about what I’m about,” Sanfilippo said. “Coach Peterson (Jordan, defensive coordinator) is a defensive master. We were going over film for two hours and you can just tell he really knows what he’s talking about.

“Coach Toth (Nick, linebackers coach) is another good dude. He’s definitely one of the most down-to-earth guys I’ve talked to. … they’ve all done it. It’s definitely a good staff to be around.”

He is the fifth commitment to the K-State recruiting class and second from Florida, joining Nazir Pitchford, a cornerback from Palmetto.

“It’s almost relieving finding a home,” Sanfilippo said. “So I can just focus on working on my craft and just getting ready to get up to Manhattan.”

Sanfilippo averaged nearly six tackles per game at Winter Park last season with 57 stops, and he also had eight tackles for loss and led the Wildcats in sacks with 3.5. Sanfilippo said he had attended Catholic school for the better part of his early schooling, but transferred to public school in sixth grade. He said his mom always wanted him to go to Bishop Moore, so he finally decided to transfer.

“Obviously, Winter Park was great and they are still all my guys,” Sanfilippo said. “But I just made the decision. I feel like this might prepare me more for college getting over here. It’s two great programs, though.”

At Bishop Moore, he joins a loaded defense, especially at linebacker, with leading tacklers Blaze Allen (2027) and Caleb Britt (2028) both returning for the Hornets, who made it to the Class 3A state semifinals last season.

“Bishop Moore is great. I’ve transitioned really well. There’s great coaching over here and a great culture, and I love playing with the guys already,” Sanfilippo said. “(Allen and Britt are) two really good players, and they’re both starting to pick up some really big offers. … We’ll be one of the groups in the whole state.

“We feel like we’re just as good or better than last year’s team. We’ve all been talking about how we’re gonna go undefeated, and we’re gonna take it home this year.”

Brantley DB Braylon Woodson to Navy

Woodson, a 6-1, 175-pounder who can play either cornerback or safety, committed to Navy on Friday. He is the brother of former Lake Brantley star quarterback Braxton Woodson, who is now the starting quarterback at Navy, heading into his senior year for the Midshipmen.

Braylon Woodson, who missed a pair of games last season, had 10 tackles and an interception as a junior.

“Braylon is a long safety who has great range and speed,” Lake Brantley coach Garrett Kruczek said. “He’s versatile enough to play corner, as well, and at over 6-2, he can close space quickly.”

The NCAA’s early football national signing day has yet to be determined for the Class of 2027. In the past, it was always the third Wednesday in December, but in 2024, the NCAA moved the date up to the first Wednesday in December. The move was made to help with the signing day clash with bowl games and to provide space in between for subsequent opening of the winter transfer portal, which this past season was Jan. 2.

Regular National Signing Day for the Class of 2027 will be Feb. 3.

Chris Hays can be found on X.com@OS_ChrisHays.

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