Getting to Know: Tedarrell Slaton
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When the Gators landed a commitment from four-star lineman Tedarrell Slaton, he turned out to be one of the biggest additions – both figuratively and literally – of their 2017 recruiting class.
Although Slaton has played along the offensive line for the majority of his football career, and he lined up at offensive tackle at Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage School, Florida recruited the massive Rivals250 lineman to play defensive tackle at the collegiate level. A two-sport athlete, Slaton also excelled on the basketball court in high school.
He'll certainly help address Florida's need for more depth at defensive tackle, after last year's starters in the interior, Caleb Brantley and Joey Ivie, both left the program this offseason.
Right now at 6-foot-5, 343 pounds, Slaton is currently on UF’s campus and enrolled for the beginning of summer B classes, which start next Monday. He’ll major in finance at Florida, and he plans on wearing No. 91 for the Gators.
Today, it's time to learn a little bit more about Slaton on a personal level in this edition of Getting to Know.
I know you were looked at by a bunch of different schools, but what was the main reason why you chose to come to Florida?
“It was my mom, she wanted to see me play. That was one of the main reasons why I chose Florida.”
Take us through the process that led to your commitment to Florida. What was the whole experience like for you?
“It wasn’t really complicated. I kind of already knew where I wanted to go from the beginning. That was pretty much it. It wasn’t really a big hassle. I kind of already made up my mind. I’ve watched Florida for a while, when I was still in school. They were my first defensive school, because I was only an offensive lineman in high school. So, that’s why I chose it.”
At what point did you definitely know you were going to be a Gator?
“I think my official. During it, I sat down with Coach Rumph and Coach Shannon and we had dinner. We talked about a lot of stuff that was going on. We didn’t really talk about football, that’s what attracted me.”
Which school came in second for you and why?
“Georgia. I didn’t really have a bunch of schools on me at the end. It was really between Florida and Georgia.”
Would you change anything about how your recruiting process went? Was there anything you disliked about it?
“I would say nothing. I really wouldn’t say anything. I kind of liked it, to be honest.”
Obviously, you spent much of your time in high school playing along the offensive line. What do you feel are some of your greatest strengths as a defensive tackle?
“My quickness off the ball. Obviously, my strength and speed. And, I just think like my drive to make the play in order to be in it.”
What do you really want to work on the most at defensive tackle this offseason at the collegiate level?
“Hands and my technique. I want to get every technique down.”
What have the Florida coaches expressed to you about your role this season?
“They told me I have to come in and fight for my position.”
What are your main goals and expectations for your freshman season at Florida?
“To play and help the team win games.”
Who has been the biggest role model for you in your life?
“My O-line coach (American Heritage’s Travis Spiva). He always gave me motivation. He never let me slack off. He always preached to me to be the best at anything I did.”
What is your favorite professional sports team?
“Boston Celtics.”
Which current NFL player would you compare your talents to?
“I don’t want to compare my talents to anybody in the NFL. I want to be my own player.”
What is your favorite type of music?
“I’d say R&B.”
Do you have a favorite movie?
“You Got Served.”
Favorite TV show?
“Gravity Falls.”
If you got drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, what would be your first purchase?
“A house.”
What are three things you have on your bucket list?
“Help out my parents, have a good life and do everything correct, and stay out of trouble.”
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