Early Entry Profile: James Houston
Now that all six of Florida's early enrollees have arrived on campus, over the next two days Inside the Gators will take a closer look at each of them with these quick player profile Q&A sessions.
Up next is Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker James Houston.
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* Caleb Brantley announces he is going pro
* Randy Shannon promoted to defensive coordinator
* 1/5 Florida Recruiting Big Board
* Tabor declares for NFL Draft
* Big questions moving forward as Florida heads into offseason
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Florida didn’t change their recruiting approach for you even after you tore your ACL. What did that mean to you?
Houston: “They stayed on me from when they first started recruiting me, to when I tore my ACL, to even after I was committed. They have been very helpful along with my doctors. They believed in me and my talent and think I am going to be a good player for them.”
How has your recovery gone?
Houston: "I am going to be able to participate in spring ball, but I don't think I will be a full 100-percent contact. Just to make sure my knee is good for the rest of my career. I have been running on my knee, but not so much cutting because Florida wants me to wait to do that when I get up there.”
Do you know your major?
Houston: “I am going to major in business.”
Do you know what number you are going to wear or is there a certain number you want?
Houston: “They haven’t given me one or said anything about it. I am not really concerned with it. I am cool with any number. Man I am going to be a freshman - I am good with whatever they give me my first year.”
What are your expectations for your first year?
Houston: “For me I want to be an SEC freshman all-American first team. That is my expectations. To get on the field and contribute and be a big part of the team.”
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* Early Enrollee Profile: Gamble
* Early Enrollee Profile: Davis
* Early Enrollee Profile: Toney
* Early Enrollee Profile: Campbell
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You visited Wisconsin along with Florida. Were the Badgers ever a threat at all?
Houston: “Actually they kind of were at one point. I loved it every time I went up there. I loved the campus the players and the coaches. It’s a great school. If I had another clone of me out there I would send him to Wisconsin and me to Florida so I wouldn’t have to tell their staff no like I had to.”
Because they were so thin at linebacker Florida was forced to play a walk-on linebacker in the Outback Bowl. How much did the opportunity to play early factor in this decision for you?
Houston: “I feel like this 2017 class on defense is going to be the face of Florida. So if we can come in and take some spots and do some work as freshman then we can compete and grow.”
What have they told you about Randy Shannon and the open defensive coordinator job?
Houston: “Coach Shannon has been a little secretive but has dropped a few hints. He coached a great game against Iowa so we will see what happens. I think it would be a plus to have him get the job because it would mean he would stay here longer and that would help me. He is a great coach and I know he’s coached a bunch of greats, so I hope I can be the next one on his list.”
You have two teammates - Kai-Leon Herbert and Tedarrell Slaton - interested in Florida. Do you think the Gators have a shot to land them?
Houston: “I have been in their ear a little bit, but I don’t really believe in players recruiting other players because it’s a personal decision. I don’t want to influence someone on something because a person should do things that are the best for them, not what a person tells them. I would love them to come because they would be a big help and I am friends with both of them. I don’t know where they are going to end up. I know they are both visiting so I look forward to talking to them.”
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