Furman(m) just keeps winning. One of the surprise heavyweights of the signing season, the little Southern Conference program made waves in the offseason with a men’s signing class that rivaled the best in the country.

And we weren’t the only ones who took notice. Bennett Yort, the No. 94 ranked player in the 2012 Top 100, recently gave his verbal commitment to the Paladins after seeing how successful they were in luring great talent.  

“The 2011 class (that they signed) was actually a big part of my decision,” Yort said. “I was able to meet most of the guys who signed at the Furman camp a couple weeks ago, but I already knew some of them.

“They are one of the best classes in the country and can really help Furman compete for national championships.”

Yort will help, too. The Charlotte Soccer Academy midfielder is a smart and skilled player who is good at spreading the field and positioning himself aptly to thwart opposing attacks.

As impressive as Yort’s skills is his resiliency, which was put to the test throughout a career that saw him overcome injury. Yort battled through calf and foot ailments early in his career before regaining confidence.

Yort, who stands 6-foot-3, considered such programs as Princeton, Georgetown and High Point before deciding to head to South Carolina.

“Furman is a small liberal arts school with a big Division I soccer program and a good academic reputation, which is hard to find,” he said.

Joining Yort with commitment announcements is a group of girls’ standouts:

Chelsea Drennan (Caroline Elite Soccer Association) has verbally committed to South Carolina(w) for the 2013 season. Drennan is No. 18 in the South Atlantic Top 20 Ranking.

Celeste Rios (Plantation FC) has verbally committed to FIU(w) for the 2012 season.

Ashley Parks (St. Louis Scott Gallagher) has verbally committed to Florida Gulf Coast(w) for the 2013 season.

Katherine Morris (Eclipse Select) has verbally committed to Missouri(w) for the 2013 season.

Ellie Eckerle (Hammer FC) has verbally committed to Xavier(w) for the 2013 season.

Lana Bonekemper (Ohio Elite) has verbally committed to Iowa(w) for the 2012 season.

Paige Reckert (CASL) has verbally committed to Clemson(w) for the 2013 season.

Natalie Werner (So Cal Blues) has signed with TCU(w) for the 2011 season.