Gators add four-star tackle to commitment list
As is the case with the recruiting process of many highly sought after prospects, along the way there were some twists and turns, and even a couple of delays, but in the end Jacksonville (Fla.) Providence four-star offensive tackle David Sharpe committed to the program many had him pegged for from the beginning.
Despite flirting with schools such as Georgia, Clemson, Tennessee, LSU and Florida State, on Thursday morning the Rivals250 big man committed to the team thought to be the frontrunner since last fall - the home state Florida Gators.
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According to Sharpe, it was that relationship, that was built over many months, that helped the Gators win out.
"Just the relationship I've built with them," said Sharpe shortly after his commitment. "Coach Muschamp really wants to turn the program around and I think we have a special class coming in."
Sharpe admitted the loss of offensive coordinator Brent Pease and offensive line coach Tim Davis affected him a lot, but wasn't enough to change his mind on choosing the Gators in the end.
"I am going to believe in Coach Muschamp that he is going to bring someone in to get the program turned around."
Even Florida finishing the season with a 4-8 record wasn't enough to scare off the 6-foot-8, 295-pounder from UF.
"It motivates me and makes me want to work harder to help the team win. It didn't really matter to me [how Florida did this year] not at all."
With his commitment in the rear view mirror, Sharpe will now prepare for the jump from high school to college and is excited to work with the currently linemen on Florida's roster.
"I just don't want to redshirt," said the First Coast prospect. "I know coming in I will have to learn and get used to it. The guys at Florida are great guys and they're going to get me better. Whatever coach thinks is best at that left tackle postion is what I am going to do."
Sharpe also added he is "pretty set" in his commitment to the Gators, and likely would not be taking anymore of his allotted official visits.