Rumph, Shannon check in on Orlando area defenders
With the spring evaluation period in full swing the Florida coaching staff have made their way around the Sunshine State to scout talent. Some of the players they've seen are among the top prospects in the state, while others are on the radar, but have yet to earn an offer from the Gators.
On Monday the Gators sent linebackers coach Randy Shannon by Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips high school to eye three-star linebacker Nicholas Smith.
“Coach Shannon came by earlier in the day, then he came out to watch me practice and let my coach now that the staff evaluated my film and they really like what they see,” said Smith
Smith visited Gainesville earlier this spring and says he’s been hearing from the Gators for quite a few months now. However, Monday was his first time ever seeing Shannon.
I've spoken with coach [Geoff] Collins a few times before spring, but yesterday was my first time speaking with coach Shannon
Currently Smith holds offers from the likes of Cincinnati, Louisville, Maryland, North Carolina, and others. The Gators have yet to offerthe 6-foot-3, 200-pounder, but would be taken into high regard if they did extend a scholarship.
“UF would definitely be up there,” explained Smith. “They are a great program that competes in the SEC every single year.”
Gong forward Smith plans to visit Florida, UNC, South Carolina, Clemson, and Michigan State sometime in the summer.
On Tuesday defensive line coach Chris Rumph spent some time in the Orlando area checking in on a few defensive linemen.
One prospect in particular Rumph stopped into see was Orlando (Fla.) Christian defensive end Kevince Brown.
“He came by practice and watched me,” said Brown of Rumph. “He talked to my coach and shook his hand. He asked my coach things like what kind of player I am and he wanted to know if I was a dog or a little pup.”
The Gators have been in touch somewhat with the two-star defender in the past, but Tuesday was the first time Brown had ever seen a Gators assistant at his high school.
“I was really excited, “said Brown. “I saw the Gators logo on his clothes at practice. I got a couple letters from them and I get pictures of the swamp on twitter and stuff. They’ve told me they like me game and they have seen my film.”
At this time the 6-foot-5, 230-pounder holds offers from the likes of Kentucky, Oregon State, UCF, McNeese State, and Texas San Antonio. He only started playing football his sophomore year of high school and then was forced to sit out his junior year with an injury.
Though he is a bit of an unknown, heading into his senior year many college coaches are stopping in to see Browns recovery.
“Samford has said they are going to come by, FIU, Florida State has already come by once and they are supposed to come out again. Louisville came out today and looked at one of my teammates. Florida would be a big offer for me and I would seriously consider them. I have a Gators shirt on right now.”
Going forward Brown plans to camp at Florida, Florida State, and Miami this summer.
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