QuoteBoard II: Florida targets talk Gators and more
Florida had their biggest recruiting weekend of the regular season for the South Carolina game. Not only in terms of Class of 2017 official visitors, unofficial visitor targets and current commits, but there were plenty of 2018 targets on hand as well.
Inside the Gators caught up with Dylan Wonnum, K'Vaughan Pope, D.J. Ivey, Will Mallory and Johnathan King for their thoughts on the game, their recruiting status and much more.
What did you think of your time at Florida?
“I liked it. It was a great visit and I am glad I came here. I loved the atmosphere and it seemed like a family.”
Who do you talk with mostly from Florida?
“I talk with Mike Summers. He tells me how I can fit in if I came here.”
What do you like about Florida?
“I like the atmosphere and I love their offense. I can see myself in their offense. Coach Mac told me today I can fit in their offense.”
What schools are recruiting you hard?
“Tennessee, South Carolina, LSU, Clemson.”
------
* QuoteBoard I: Florida commits talk visit
* 2018 four-star wide out has top two
* Rivals250 Hansard talks Florida visit, could go on others
* Rivals100 defensive end Ray impressed by Florida visit
* Florida four-star commit Telfort sure of three visits
------
What were your thoughts on the visit overall?
“It was pretty cool. It was more of what I expected and it was loud really loud. The atmosphere was intense. The defense played lights out and the offense could do a little better.”
This is your second visit to Gainesville to see Florida. What keeps you coming back?
“I just have always wanted to be a Gator.”
You’re listed as an athlete on a lot of sites. Where does Florida want to use you?
“Defense at linebacker. I heard Coach [Randy] Shannon is good at what he does and he coached Ray Lewis and got him into the pros. I talked with Coach [Torrian] and he tells me to keep in touch.”
Any leaders currently?
“No. I probably won’t make a decision until after my senior year.”
Thoughts on your visit to Florida?
“It was good. They really impressed me a lot. I liked the crowd and the facilities they have. Really everything. The atmosphere was crazy.”
What is the message from Florida’s coaching staff?
“They just tell me to keep in touch and they tell me to stay focused. I had hurt my ankle, to they check up on me. I talk to coach Kerry [Dixon], he just tells me to keep working hard.”
Florida played a lot of freshman at different positions. Is that important to see?
“It really is because it shows me that I can come into a program and play as a true freshman.”
You’re committed to Miami. What does a school need to do to sway you away?
“I’m not sure honestly. I have a tight relationship with Miami. They are like my brothers.”
------
* 2018 five-star Thomas has ties to Florida
* Recruit Reaction: Prospects impressed with players, coaches & atmosphere
* Five-star Leatherwood spends three days on campus
* Insider Recruiting Notes: Visitor Tidbits
* GET YOUR 30 DAY FREE TRIAL MEMBERSHIP
------
What are your thoughts on your visit to Florida?
“I liked it a lot it was a good atmosphere. I only really got to see the game, but I look forward to seeing other parts about Florida down the road. I had a lot of fun being here.”
What are your thoughts on the offense?
“I like the way they use their tight ends and it was something I can see myself fitting in to, so it was good to see that.”
What sticks out to you about the Gators?
“I have been down here a few times because my sister goes to school here so she has showed me around. I like it a lot and it’s close by so it’s an easy drive to get down here. I like the coaches a lot and think they are nice peoples and look forward to getting down again. I have high interest.”
What was the overall message from Florida’s coaches?
“They see me as a flex tight end and want to move me around and use me in different areas. I like to see what they have in mind with me. I like the way they used the tight end.”
This was your first visit to Florida since the spring game. How was it?
“It was great and I love the atmosphere. I love the experience. It was good to see them rotate guys. It’s good to be deep with numbers to not burn out one player.”
What are your thoughts on Florida’s defensive performance in the game?
“Their defense really reminds me a lot of what we run at my high school. It’s a lot of teamwork and holding each other accountable and getting the job done. That is what it’s about and I like that.”
Florida offered several months ago. Has your relationship with the coaches gotten better?
“As I have matured and gotten older I have gotten closer with the coaches and even the players. We are growing more of a connection and I like that. I am the closest with coach [Chris] Rumph and he is a cool dude. We have the same personality and we connect.”
Any schools stand out at this point?
“No not really. I am still open. A lot of schools are recruiting me hard and I get a lot of texts, messages, emails. All of it.”
What do you like about Florida?
“It’s the energy and the opportunity. I like the players and the pride they have in their team. I like the structure of the place.”
------
Thank you for reading this Inside the Gators article. To discuss it, please visit the Alligator Alley Forum.