Andrew Chatfield’s decision to sign with Florida is a culmination of the Gator’s long pursuit that endured two coaching staffs and a commitment to Ohio State. The past matters not these days, however, as the four-star linebacker chose UF when things mattered most. Below, Rivals.com takes a look at how his choice helps the Gators and how it hurts his other finalists.
THE SITUATION
A one-time Ohio State commit, Chatfield backed off that pledge prior to last season and saw his options expand. Florida emerged as a frontrunner shortly thereafter and held off a late push by Miami, which offered Chatfield a scholarship during his senior season. Florida lead the way through its coaching change, which is impressive considering Chatfield saw his list of options expand to include Miami and others in the months leading up to Signing Day.
WHY IT'S BIG FOR FLORIDA
Florida gets a prospect that is coming off of a solid senior season that saw Chatfield develop as a prospect in every imaginable way. The Gators got involved early and survived a coaching change to land the four-star linebacker, which is no small accomplishment. UF has to be giddy over the strides Chatfield made late in his high school career, as it seems that he could grow into a difference maker early in his college career.
HOW IT HURTS THE SCHOOLS THAT MISSED:
Miami dragged its feet a bit here. The Hurricanes class will remain loaded, but it seems likely that UM could have landed Chatfield had it made with an offer a bit earlier in the process. Mark Richt waited until the end of the season to get heavily involved with the four-star linebacker and was forced to play catch-up from there. Chatfield took major steps forward as a senior and seems to be on an upward trajectory as a prospect. The only way this badly stings Miami, however, is if he goes on to be a legitimate college superstar.
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