Getting to Know: Brandon Sandifer
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As one of Florida's six 2015 offensive linemen signees this season, three-star offensive guard Brandon Sandifer could be in line to see some early playing time if he impresses the coaching staff enough during the second half of the summer and the fall.
As a 6-foot-4, 330-pound two-sport athlete at Warner Robins (Ga.) Northside High School, Sandifer played for both the football and basketball teams there. He committed to Florida on Aug. 13, 2014 but stuck firm with his commitment throughout the process despite UF's coaching change. Sandifer graduated from high school May 23 and is set to enroll at UF starting the Summer B semester in late June.
Inside the Gators caught up with Sandifer for the latest segment of our "Getting to Know" series for the incoming 2015 freshmen signees.
What led to your decision to attend the University of Florida?
Sandifer: It just felt great down there. The habitat, the people down there, the attitude everybody has toward rebuilding. So that really helped me a lot.
What was your favorite part of your recruiting process?
Sandifer: My favorite part was looking at myself online and being able to see myself and see what others say about my game.
What was your least favorite part of your recruiting process?
Sandifer: All the phone calls, all the coaches talking to you. I kind of got tired of that. It wasn't all that bad, but that was my least favorite.
How do the coaches envision your role on the team moving forward?
Sandifer: I just want to do whatever I can to help the team get better. I don't have to go in and start. I just want to make other players better, make the team better. If that means that I start, I guess I'll do it. They tell me every time they see me to come in ready to play.
What aspects of your game are you aiming to polish this summer and fall?
Sandifer: Just become a better overall player. I didn't play guard in high school so I didn't pull that much, but I'm playing guard here, so I guess pulling.
What would you say is your greatest strength as a football player?
Sandifer: Run-blocking on fourth down. I was pretty good at getting up to the next level and blocking linebackers.
What have your interactions with Jim McElwain been like so far? What about him drove you to stay firm to your commitment to Florida?
Sandifer: The attitude and what he did at Colorado State. He comes from Alabama, which is a winning program. I know he knows how to win, and I believe he'll be able to turn things around.
What about Coach Mike Summers?
Sandifer: He's a great coach. He always keeps in touch with me. He knows how to teach the game.
If it weren't for Florida, where would you have signed?
Sandifer: South Carolina.
Have you decided on a college major yet?
Sandifer: Not yet. I'll probably take computer engineering, but I'm not really sure yet.
If you could play any team at home in the Swamp who would it be?
Sandifer: I want to play Georgia at home in the Swamp, but I know that won't happen. It would be Georgia and LSU.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals in your personal life for before a game?
Sandifer: I always had what you would call a calm before the storm. Before I'd play, I used to stay calm and let everything come in to me and focus on what's about to happen.
Which NFL team is your favorite?
Sandifer: I don't have a favorite NFL team. I like the Falcons because they're close to home, but that's it.
If you were to eventually become a first-round NFL draft choice, what is the first thing you would buy?
Sandifer: I'd buy a lot of Ramen Noodles and I'd buy my mom a house. I love Ramen Noodles. I can't picture myself not eating them.
If you could play with any former college athlete, who would it be and why?
Sandifer: Ray Lewis, because I look up to him.
Who is your favorite athlete outside of football?
Sandifer: Shaq. I used to like him, because you know I'm a big guy. When I played basketball, I was a center. He used to joke around and things, and then on the court he was just the dominant player that nobody can stop. Afterwards, he's like a big teddy bear playing around, goofy.
What's your favorite genre of music to listen to? Any artists in particular you like?
Sandifer: Hip-hop and R&B. I like Kevin Gates.
What is your favorite TV show?
Sandifer: I've got to go with "Family Guy."
What is your favorite movie?
Sandifer: "Furious 7."
Which celebrity would you most want to trade places with for one day?
Sandifer: Jay-Z, because he's married to Beyonce.
Name one thing you can't live without.
Sandifer: My family. I'm really close with my family.
What is on your bucket list? Name three things you want to do before dying.
Sandifer: I really want to make it to the NFL, but I understand that it doesn't happen for everybody. I just want to live and have a fun life, and make my parents happy. That's really it.
