Statement from Omar Fortt:
First, I'd like to give thanks to the Almighty above for blessing me with this opportunity. Also, I want to recognize the support from my family, friends and coaches for always pushing me to better myself on and off the field. Lastly, I am humbled by the process and I appreciate all of the Universities who have shown hard interest in me. I am proud to announce that I will be furthering my academic and football careers at The University of Connecticut. # FAMILY #GOHUSKIES
Ending a lengthy courtship with an in-state prospect, UConn Football invited Omar Fortt to visit a practice on Saturday and the St. Luke's product, younger brother of current NFL player Khairi Fortt, committed on the spot.
Fortt held offers from Navy and Army and had serious interest from Rutgers, Pittsburgh, and others. He transferred to St. Luke's from Stamford High and re-classified shortly before the 2015 season, earning his first FBS offers earlier this summer from the service academies. Multiple FBS programs hosted him across the summer and expressed interest but stopped short of making an offer.
As an athlete prospect, Fortt has a lot of possibilities for where he might play at the next level. He has excelled at both wide receiver and safety at St. Luke's and on the camp circuit. Another possibility is that he adds some muscle to his frame and plays an outside linebacker role, where he would possess elite athleticism for the position. Right now the plan is for him to play safety in Storrs.
Omar's older brother, Khairi, spent the beginning of his college career playing linebacker at Penn State before transferring to Cal after the scandal and sanctions. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2014 and now plays for the Seattle Seahawks.
Fortt is the eighth commitment for UConn in the class of 2017—the third defensive back, and sixth defensive player. He will be participating in the 2016 New York vs. New England All-Star Challenge on August 13 at Central High in Bridgeport, Conn., where he will be joined by 50 of the top prospects in the region, many with UConn offers and interest.
