Getting to Know: Nick Buchanan
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In need of help along the offensive line, Florida recruited plenty of offensive linemen hard late during the 2015 recruiting cycle. One member of that group is three-star offensive tackle Nick Buchanan.
A 6-foot-4, 285-pound lineman out of Dunwoody (Ga.) High School, Buchanan picked Florida over Georgia during National Signing Day, after decommitting from California earlier in the week, to become the sixth and final offensive lineman to join UF's 2015 recruiting class. Buchanan graduated from high school May 21 and is set to enroll at UF starting the Summer B semester in late June.
Inside the Gators caught up with Buchanan 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?
Buchanan: Florida's just a great school, great program, great history. Honestly, they have the opportunities for me to reach the goals that I set for myself.
How much did the lack of numbers on the offensive line factor into your decision?
Buchanan: It was appetizing, but I mean in the SEC nothing is guaranteed, no matter how many offensive linemen you bring on staff. We're bringing in six into the class as well. It wasn't the deciding factor, but it played a part.
What was your favorite part of your recruitment process?
Buchanan: It probably would just be all the friends you make on the recruiting process, because you meet so many new people. You all come from different backgrounds, but you all have the same goals. You all go to play college football. It's just a great time to hang out with the people that you meet.
What was your least favorite part of your recruitment process?
Buchanan: It was just saying no all of the great schools, great opportunities that you have. You can only choose one school.
How do the coaches envision your role on the team moving forward?
Buchanan: Coach Summers just said to me to come in and be ready to work. The opportunity is there if you want to take it. If I want to be a true freshman and play, it's just come in and work and you'll have everything.
What aspects of your game are you aiming to polish this summer and fall?
Buchanan: I just want to get more flexible in my hips and just being able to drop down and redirect. More mobility type stuff, if you know what I'm saying.
What would you say is your greatest strength as a football player?
Buchanan: The drive to not quit. When it comes down to crunch time, that's really what people care out. I'm going to make sure I'm going harder than you, and then we're going to see what happens.
What have your interactions with Jim McElwain been like so far? What about him drove you to stay firm to your commitment to Florida?
Buchanan: He's kind of crazy, but it's a good crazy, if you know what I mean. He's all over the place. He's like a mad hatter, but there's a method to his madness. Everything seems jumbled up, but in the end you know it's going to be great whenever it comes down to it.
What about offensive line coach Mike Summers?
Buchanan: He's kind of like the opposite of Coach Mac. I mean he's like a serious guy, but you know that when it's time to work you're going to work with Coach Summers. That's what I like, because Coach Summers is like a no games type of guy. He can have fun and jump around a little bit, but when it's time to work we're going to be working.
If it weren't for Florida, where would you have signed?
Buchanan: I probably would have stayed home and went to Georgia.
Have you decided on a college major yet?
Buchanan: I haven't really decided yet, but I'm thinking I'm going to major in Spanish, just because I've taken foreign languages a lot in high school and stuff like that. I think it would be fun and interesting to me.
If you could play any team at home in the Swamp who would it be?
Buchanan: I've got two teams: University of Texas, because that was my favorite school growing up, and Georgia. Playing in Jacksonville, it would just be a whole different story if they got to come to the Swamp and we got to go between the hedges.
Which NFL team is your favorite?
Buchanan: Dallas Cowboys. Actually, I didn't grow up on the Cowboys. My dad, he was a huge Cowboys fan, but I was a Chargers fan. Then, I don't know, they were just playing - I think it was the season when Tony Romo was injured and Jon Kitna was playing. They were playing the Giants at their stadium. I think it was Felix Jones, he just took a screen and he busted it all the way for a touchdown. Ever since then, I've been a Cowboys fan.
If you were to eventually become a first-round NFL draft choice, what is the first thing you would buy?
Buchanan: Probably a house with a basketball court in it… actually, a Rolex. I've always wanted one.
If you could play with any former college athlete, who would it be and why?
Buchanan: If I had a choice, I'd probably want to block for Vince Young. In college, he was such a different player. He was so explosive and he was exciting to watch.
Who is your favorite athlete outside of football?
Buchanan: Probably LeBron James. Talking about the combination of size and athleticism, he is the prime athlete right now. You can't really beat LeBron.
What's your favorite genre of music to listen to?
Buchanan: I like hip-hop and rap, but then again you've got different types of hip-hop and rap. You've got the west coast, you've got smooth beats and smooth listening, you've got east Atlanta trap music, but then you have the hype-up music, like retro and stuff. I like all of them. Depends on the mood you're in.
Any particular rappers you like?
Buchanan: My top three would be Lupe Fiasco, because I like his lyrics. Then I like Kanye West, because he changed the game. He's an influential piece of hip-hop. And then I like 2 Chainz, because I like hearing him rap.
What is your favorite TV show?
Buchanan: "Monday Night Football." It's the best time to come home and watch it. After a long day of practice and whatever you do, it feels pretty good to come home and watch some football.
What is your favorite movie?
Buchanan: "Remember the Titans," hands down.
Which celebrity would you most want to trade places with for one day?
Buchanan: Probably Kanye. You get to be married to Kim for a day. I wouldn't have to care what anybody else says. You can say whatever you want. Kanye does whatever he wants, and you can't criticize him for it.
If you can go out with any female celebrity on a dream date, who would it be?
Buchanan: Vanessa Hudgens.
Name one thing you can't live without.
Buchanan: The game of football. Just being around the game, it gives you so many life lessons. At the end of the day, it's just a great overall sport. You see it bringing towns together.
What is on your bucket list? Name three things you want to do before dying.
Buchanan: I want to rent out Madison Square Garden for a day and do what I want - just like throw a huge party in Madison Square Garden. I want to buy an airplane and learn how to fly it. Then, I'd want to go out on a date with Vanessa Hudgens.