Getting to Know: Luke Ancrum
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As the third defensive commitment during the Jim McElwain era, Luke Ancrum is really to make his name known in Gainesville.
A 6-foot-5, 225-pound two-star weakside defensive end recruit out of Sebring (Fla.) High School, Ancrum committed to UF on Feb. 1 following his official visit to Gainesville a few days prior. Ancrum had offers from Wisconsin, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, FAU and FIU on his list but ultimately chose the Gators. He is set to graduate this Saturday and plans to enroll at UF starting the Summer B semester in late June.
Inside the Gators caught up with Ancrum 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?
Ancrum: The school, the education, the football. When I went on my visit and was around all of the players, I never looked back. All the coaches are very down-to-earth. A lot of new coaches, but it's still very family-like.
What was your favorite part of your recruitment process?
Ancrum: Eating. A lot of food. They were feeding us a lot, like buffet-style. Not basic food, but you can have any type of food you wanted basically.
What was your least favorite part of your recruitment process?
Ancrum: I didn't really see all of the coaches all day, every day. Some schools weren't very down-to-earth like I like it.
How do the coaches envision your role on the team moving forward?
Ancrum: They told me it depends on how hard I work and how big I get. You can play inside and outside as well. That's what I played in high school. They said I'm a versatile player.
What aspects of your game are you aiming to polish this summer and fall?
Ancrum: Looking at other high schoolers who played my position and college players and NFL, it's more like my get-off, my speed and using my hands more. Sometimes I don't use them to my ability, so it's more of using my hands, my arms and working on my speed. And just getting bigger and stronger, basically.
What would you say is your greatest strength as a football player?
Ancrum: When I was playing tackle, it was more like getting my hands on a person. Just getting my hands on a person and controlling them.
What have your interactions with Jim McElwain been like so far?
Ancrum: He's a great guy. Other schools I've been to, they were down-to-earth but it wasn't like how McElwain is. He's enthusiastic. There's always something positive.
Terrell Williams obviously was the one to recruit you, but since Williams left to the Miami Dolphins after National Signing Day, what has your relationship been like with new defensive line coach Chris Rumph?
Ancrum: We talked at the spring game. We haven't talked since, but I've been talking to other coaches. I feel like when I get there we're going to build a relationship. He just said get prepared to work. He loves my body and the way I'm going to fill out in a few years.
If it weren't for Florida, where would you have signed?
Ancrum: I would have chosen FIU.
Have you decided on a college major yet?
Ancrum: I've decided in sports management, but it might change. I've been thinking about sports management and sports medicine.
If you could play any team at home in the Swamp who would it be?
Ancrum: I would like to play the Miami Hurricanes, because my coach is a Hurricanes fans and I was at one point. I just want to play them.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals in your personal life for before a game?
Ancrum: We all prayed together. I always stayed behind to myself, got on a knee and tell my mother, "I do this for you. Just keep me safe. I've got your back and I know you've got my back too."
Which NFL team is your favorite?
Ancrum: I don't really have a favorite. I watch more college football. I have favorite players, but if I had to choose a team I would say the Seahawks.
If you were to eventually become a first-round NFL draft choice, what is the first thing you would buy?
Ancrum: My family would get everything first. I'd get them money to basically buy a car and things like that.
If you could play with any former college athlete, who would it be and why?
Ancrum: I would like to play with Dante Fowler because of his swagger.
Who is your favorite athlete outside of football?
Ancrum: LeBron and Kevin Durant.
What is one thing that Gator fans would be surprised to know about you?
Ancrum: I can sing a little bit. I was in the church choir when I was younger. I still sing in my alone time and things of that nature.
What's your favorite genre of music to listen to?
Ancrum: I like to listen to hip-hop.
What is your favorite TV show?
Ancrum: "Ridiculousness."
What is your favorite movie?
Ancrum: My favorite movie would be "Rush Hour."
Do you have a favorite meal?
Ancrum: Steak and potatoes.
Who would you most want to trade places with for one day?
Ancrum: I'd like to switch places for a day with LeBron James, just because of his lifestyle. He has a flashy lifestyle, but he's a down-to-earth person also.
If you had your choice of anyone on the planet, who would you go out with for one dream date?
Ancrum: I probably would say Kim Kardashian.
Name one thing you can't live without.
Ancrum: My phone. Not like I'm addicted to it - I can be away from it - but more for like important things. That's how I communicate with anybody.
What is on your bucket list? Name three things you want to do before dying.
Ancrum: I want to go skydiving even though I'm afraid of heights, go to China and I'd like to go to Brazil in that area and travel around the whole continent.