2018 Rivals100 member has three early leaders
In two time SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week Martez Ivey, Florida is currently having great success with one former lineman from Apopka (Fla.) High School.
In the Class of 2018 the Gators are looking to add to that legacy by bagging another big body from Apopka - Rivals100 offensive tackle William Barnes.
Early on Barnes has heard from many premier college football programs.
“Recruiting overall has been going really great and I talk with schools like Florida, North Carolina, Auburn, Alabama, and also Ohio State a lot,” stated Barnes. “These are schools that I am definitely looking at and keeping my eye on. The thing now is just getting to know them good.”
Earlier this fall the four-star junior was able to visit Gainesville a couple of times to see Florida in the Swamp. According to Barnes every time he visits the Gators impress him even more.
“I love it up there and it’s a great area for a school and the coaches are great, especially coach [Mike] Summers. He is a great coach and I love talking football with him. I have seen the way he coaches and like how he teaches his players.”
Considering how big a need they have, it's not surprising that the Gators have already offered numerous offensive tackles for the 2018 class. Even with that being the case Florida's staff has made sure to let the 6-foot-4, 289-pounder know that he is a priority and just where he fits in on their offense line.
“They want me to be a tackle or a guard whatever gets me on the field quickest,” said Barnes. “I can play both, so that doesn’t matter to me. I just think I can make a really big impact if I did choose to commit there. I like the play of their line even though they are young. They worked hard even though they had to shuffle guys around with injuries.”
It’s not only the coaching staff that has talked about the Orange and Blue with the No. 6 rated tackle in the nation, but also his former teammate and current Gators lineman Martez Ivey, who Barnes still keeps in touch with as well.
“We talk a lot,” explained Barnes. “You know and it’s about the games I play and the games he plays - we just talk about our seasons. I wished him good luck recently since he’s playing in the Outback Bowl. That will be a good game.”
Going forward Barnes is hoping to visit Auburn, Florida, and North Carolina this coming spring for junior days.
He also claims those three schools are his early leaders.
“I have a better connection with coaches at those schools in particular, so that is why they stick out a little more. I stay more in contact with them and I really like that.”
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