After originally giving his verbal pledge to Miami before backing off of it, Florida landed a commitment from Miami (Fla.) Carol City safety Randy Russell back on July 22nd.
Now, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound prospect is all in with the Gators football program and is anxious to see how this season will turn out.
Inside the Gators caught up with the three-star prospect for an update on his status with the coaching staff, commitments, and more.
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* Alley: Continuously updated weekend visitor list
* Simmons: Two takes on Florida targets in Alabama
* Five-star says he is definitely keeping an eye on Florida
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ON HIS SENIOR SEASON: "Senior year is going as expected. I've improved in a lot of areas that I intended on bettering myself in. I've gotten quicker in and out of my breaks. Learning when to make the big hit and when to make the sure tackle. Playing all three positions this year: strong, free, and nickle."
THOUGHTS ON FLORIDA LOSING THE MICHIGAN GAME: "It's a marathon, not a sprint. With that being said, I believe that coach Mac and the staff will make the necessary adjustments. SEC champions without a doubt, but it's time we defeat the elephants."
ON HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE STAFF SINCE COMMITTING: "My relationship with the staff hasn't changed and that's what I respect the most about those guys. That''s how I know it was real from the jump."
ON HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OTHER COMMITS: "Those are my brothers, we have developed some strong relationships over time. I've been working (recruiting) on Brendan Radley-Hiles."
ON VISITING FLORIDA THIS SEASON: "I will be at all the home games if it doesn't interfere with my games. My official visit is set for October 7th for the LSU game."
ITG BOTTOM LINE: Russell was solid with Florida even before publicly committing to the Gators. Though anything can and will happen in recruiting, it would take something huge for him not to be part of this class in the end. As far as his play this fall, it is interesting that he brought up that he is being careful about when to just make the tackle rather than going for the knock out punch each time, which has been a knock on his play in the past. After the interview was conducted he tweeted out his intention to be in Gainesville this weekend.
SOCIAL SLANT:
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