Gators scouting a new name at linebacker
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When four-star linebacker Lorenzo Phillips decided to decommit from Florida it began a flurry of activity which saw prospects, both familiar and new, appear as players of interest at the position.
First Florida contacted familiar names such as Raphael Kirby, Ukeme Eligwe and Keith Brown and then they also added Tampa (Fla.) Berkley Prep three-star inside linebacker Schyler Miles to the board.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder, whose offer list is quickly approaching double digits, has recently garnered attention from both Florida and Notre Dame after the two nationally known programs were impressed with his play while scouting teammate, five-star athlete Nelson Agholor.
Though neither the Gators or the Irish have done so yet, Florida indicated to Miles this past weekend that an offer could be on the horizon.
"They know where they're at with Nelson, but they filled me in where they are with me," explained Miles. "They told me to keep it up and hopefully they'll be able to offer me by the end of the year. They said I've been doing everything right. I'm on the right path."
According to Miles, an offer from UF would catapult the Gators to the top of his list.
"It would be great. They would be at the top as one of my favorite colleges when I choose," said Miles. "Of course I would have to go back again along with my parents, but it would be very exciting if they did offer and a great opportunity."
This past weekend Miles took an unofficial visit to Florida.
"I went over with my teammate Nelson Agholor to watch the Vandy game," said Miles. "We talked to coach Muschamp and coach Weis before the game and they told both of us how they want us on the team. The game and the atmosphere was a great experience. We were actually able to go into the locker-room and hang out with the players. It's a lot different from high school. I liked it a lot, I'm impressed with everything they have to offer there."
The teammates left at halftime in order to head back to Tampa.
In most instances getting Agholor for an update is all but impossible, he is as elusive off the field as he is on it.
So, in his place, Miles offered this thoughts on what Agholor had to say over the weekend.
"I think that was his second time up there," said Miles. "He has nothing but good things to say about Florida. He loves coach Weis. I've only heard positives come out of his mouth when it comes to Florida. I know he likes them a lot."
As for the duo, they aren't just teammates, they are friends off the field as well. If Miles is offered by either Florida or Notre Dame the opportunity could arise for them to play together on the next level.
"Those are the two that we're both interested in," Miles said of the Gators and Irish. "We don't have it planned to go to the same college, but it could possibly happen and we've both talked about it. We're both fine with it, but wherever we decide to go, we'll support each other."
For his part, Miles is certain of several upcoming visits, "I know about three official visits for sure - Cincinnati, Iowa State and West Virginia. I'm going on an unofficial visit in December to Notre Dame for their banquet."
As for where he will lineup on the next level, Miles had this to say.
"All of the coaches want me inside except for Iowa State," replied Miles. "They said they want me outside."
Rivals.com Florida recruiting analyst Chris Nee saw Miles earlier this season.
"He is a physical inside linebacker who has good range at the spot. He is very good at filling the gaps, dropping his shoulder, and putting it on the ball carrier. He is also able to do some work outside the tackles with decent lateral movement. He is a solid inside linebacker prospect."
For the season, despite only playing three full games because the other contests were blowouts, Miles reports he has roughly 75 tackles.For The Inside Scoop on Miles, please visit The Alligator Alley Forum