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It took almost 10 months of a 12 month recruiting cycle and a new coaching staff, but Florida finally came around and offered Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas four-star defensive end Nikolas Bonitto.
It was new Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham who visited and offered.
"He came in, he was talking about what was I thinking and how he would use me. He was mostly talking about just wanting to build a relationship and him coming on an in-home visit sometime and me going up there for an official visit as well."
Since Bonitto won't sign until February, he'll wait until January to take his official visit with the Gators.
Though he is listed as an undersized defensive end by Rivals, Bonitto said that the Gators see him differently. In Florida's new scheme he will rush the passer and drop into coverage.
"At the outside linebacker position, it's more 50-50. You rush the passer and also you will be dropping back at times. Yea, something like that."
Coming up Bonitto will officially visit Oklahoma. Other than the Sooners and Gators he is also interested in Texas and Louisville - two programs he has already officially visited.
He is talking to Alabama about a possible visit.
When asked about putting those programs in order, Bonitto replied, "No leaders right now. Just seeing and weighing my options."
Just what it is that allows Florida to enter the race this late and still be a player for his services?
"It's just great. It's always a team that I watched since I was little. In-state school, and a lot of great stuff at Florida. So it's a great thing going on."
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Joseph Hastings contributed to this report
