Getting to Know: Chris Bleich
Chris Bleich will forever be known as Dan Mullen’s first commit as head coach at the University of Florida, but the 6-foot-5, 308-pound offensive lineman had a pretty interesting recruiting process.
Bleich, who is from Plymouth (Pa.) and had been committed to Penn State for over a year, decided to reopen his recruiting process in April 2017. Although he committed to UCLA a couple of months later, the firing of Coach Jim Mora and the subsequent hiring of Chip Kelly caused Bleich to reevaluate his options. On November 29th, Bleich decommitted from UCLA and committed, sight unseen, to the University of Florida.
Today it's time to learn a little bit more about Bleich on a playing and personal level in this edition of Getting to Know.
Take us through the process that led to your commitment. What was that experience like for you?
"A lot was just due to the coaching staff and how much faith and trust I had in them. And once they told me I had an offer to Florida, I felt comfortable to say that I will be going to Florida with the coaches there. Like I said, I just had that trust and relationship with them and I feel like it was the best fit for me."
-----
* A closer look at what Florida is getting with Greg Knox
* UA Review: In-depth look at Florida defensive prospects
* UA Review: In-depth look at Florida offensive prospects
* UA: Florida prospects stock up/down & award winners
* Three Florida UA participants who could flip
* TRY OUR 30 DAY FREE TRIAL OFFER (PROMO CODE Gators30)
-----
Which school came in second for you and why?
"It probably would have been Pittsburgh."
What was the craziest, strangest or weirdest moment of the recruiting cycle?
"Definitely would have been when the coaches got fired from UCLA because, at that point, there were rumors of Coach Mullen going to Florida. I didn’t have that many options at the end when it was all said and done with choosing going to UCLA. And I didn’t know if it would to take me to Florida or not. It was just waiting and finding out because I really didn’t know what was happening."
If there is one thing you could change about the recruiting process, what would it be?
"Probably just waiting everything out and not committing early like I did. Just waiting to the signing period."
If you could play a sport outside of football, which sport would it be?
"Wrestling."
What is your favorite football memory?
"Probably my teams upset against Whitehall because we were like a huge underdog and we ended up going in there and kind of handing it to them."
What would you say are some of your greatest strengths as a football player?
"My run blocking, just straight head to head. I get my hands on people fast."
What is the most appealing part to you about the University of Florida?
"The campus I fell in love with. But the SEC conference to me is just the best conference in general. I always wanted to play in there too."
What do you really need to work on the most when you get to Florida?
"Probably just everything because, at the next level, it is just a whole different game. I’m just going to have to start from scratch and build up from there."
Who is the prospect that you have talked to the most from the Class of 2018?
"We’re all in a DM so it’s just kind of like chitchatting here and there."
What is your major?
"Finance."
If you a chance to go on a dream date, who would it be with?
"Katy Perry. Actually Jessie James. She is a country singer."
What would be your first purchase if you got drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft?
"A Nissan GT-R NISMO."
What is one item that you cannot live without it?
"That would honestly be my phone."
What is your favorite professional football team?
"The Patriots. Tom Brady is my guy."
Is Tom Brady your favorite professional football player?
"Yup."
Who has been the biggest role model for you in your life?
"Definitely my dad. He just guided me through everything. He was always there with me when I was training and just pushed me."
Is there a person, sports personality or not, that has had an influence on your life?
"Definitely my one trainer, Tosh."
What are your favorite types of music? Do you have a favorite artist or song?
"I listen to anything, but my favorite artist is Gucci Mane."
What is your favorite movie?
"I’m a huge Avatar fan."
What is your favorite TV show?
"Marvel Agents of Shield. That was a good one. I’m a huge Marvel fan."
If you could meet one person in the world, who would that be?
"One person in the world? Ric Flair."
------
Thank you for reading this Inside the Gators article. To discuss it, please visit the Alligator Alley Forum.
