After beginning his high school football career in the 2015 spring game of his 10th grade year - and then playing just two seasons at Miami Jackson High as a junior and senior - linebacker Lacedrick Brunson flew mostly under the radar during his recruitment.
However, the two-star prospect caught the eye of defensive coordinator Randy Shannon and the Gators, as Florida would eventually go on to offer Brunson, who also held offers from Arkansas, FAU and UCF, among others. Two weeks after his Jan. 13 weekend FIU visit, Brunson officially visited UF. Three days after that visit concluded, he'd go on to commit to Florida on National Signing Day.
Brunson, who plans on majoring in athletic training, will arrive at UF with the rest of the 2017 signees for the start of summer B session classes on June 26. Currently, he stands at 6-foot-2 and he claims he weighs roughly 217-220 pounds, after adding some bulk to his frame since his Florida visit.
Today, it's time to learn a little bit more about Brunson on a personal level in this edition of Getting to Know.
------
* Five-Star Challenge: Florida Prospects Preview
* Spring Opponent Review: South Carolina
* Watnick: Zaire should bolster Florida’s depth at quarterback
* Ask the Expert: Notre Dame beat writer goes in-depth on Zaire
* GET TWO MONTHS OF INSIDETHEGATORS.COM FOR FREE
------
I know you were looked at by various schools during your recruitment, but what were some of the main reasons why you chose to come to Florida?
“I would say I saw going to Florida as a big opportunity to show off my talents and make it to the next level. … I feel like I can live up to the expectations. I feel like it was the right fit for me. It’s a big school, and I feel like I’m a big player and I’m about to show that on the field.”
Take us through the process that led to your commitment to UF. What was that final month like for you?
“I really was choosing through two schools, FIU and UF. I did both of my visits to compare, and I liked UF better.”
How did you enjoy your official visit to Florida?
“It felt like home. My mom and little brother, they liked it. Everyone, they felt like home when they were there. We had a good time, seeing everything that would be there for me. Where I would practice, weight room, everything they have for you. I liked everything I was seeing, and I felt like it would be a good place for me.”
What about FIU put that school in second place for you?
“They communicated with me – really Florida and FIU were the main schools calling me every day, visiting my school, checking up on me and stuff. They showed the most interest. I had to choose between the two that showed the most interest in me.”
What did you like the most about the recruiting process?
“The visits. I liked how they treat you on the visits. They picked me up when I left the house, took me to the airport and all that. They feed you good, show you around. I just like that experience, because you can see how it’ll be and how they treat you.”
Looking back, what would you want to change about how it went?
“My recruiting process was good, I have no regrets. But probably, if anything I would have done it bigger than what I was. I only played two years of high school, so I didn’t get as much exposure as I should. I feel like I did for the two years that I did play. I signed to an SEC school.”
What have Florida coaches expressed about where you’ll play this year?
“My role is that I could be a big help to the linebacker core, because that’s where they need the most help at. They said if I can take care of what I’ve got to do, I’ll probably see a little field time, depending on what I do when I get there.”
Which linebacker position do you feel the most comfortable at?
“I feel like I’m going to always be better in the middle, just because that’s what I’ve always played. But if I have to play outside, I know I’ll get the hang of it. It’ll be nothing, because I’m labeled as a linebacker, no matter which side I’m on. But I would have to do more covering and stuff. I have to get better at that. But if I had to choose, I’d choose middle because that’s what I’m best at.”
What about your coverage skills do you want to improve the most?
“Like man coverage, keeping up with the receivers. With zone, I’m good at that. Just like keeping up 1-on-1 with receivers in the slot, or like a running back going out for a route.”
What are your main expectations for your freshman year?
“It’ll be to a big impact in my first year. If I could, I want to make an impact and help the team a lot and probably be a true freshman if I could.”
Who has been the biggest role model for you in your life?
“My role model is Ray Lewis. Like how he leads the team and how he attacks and leads the way in everything that he does. He perfects everything that he does. That’s why he’s known as one of the greatest linebackers in the league. I like to watch his highlights and learn from him.”
Do you have a favorite professional sports team?
“Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Which current NFL player would you compare your talents to?
“I would compare myself to Luke Kuechly. Just like how he has the instincts to get to the ball and how he’s always at the ball and he gets you off the field real quick. Wherever the ball is, he’s always there around it making plays.”
What is your favorite type of music and who is your favorite artist?
“Hip-hop and Kodak Black.”
What about a favorite movie?
“Probably Friday After Next or one of the Friday movies.”
Favorite TV show?
“Friday Night Lights.”
If you got drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, what would be your first purchase?
“It would be a new house for my mom.”
What are three things you have on your bucket list?
“Probably make it and be an All-American, break records and be remembered as one of the best linebackers to be at UF.”
What’s one thing Florida fans don’t know about you that they should?
“I’m a hard worker, and I’ll do anything that I have to do to get to the top.”
-------
PREVIOUS GETTING TO KNOW INTERVIEWS:
-------
------
Thank you for reading this Inside the Gators article. To discuss it, please visit the Alligator Alley Forum.
