Three Florida coaches visit Hounshell
Offensive line prospect Chase Hounshell says he remains committed to play for Florida after meeting with Coach Will Muschamp and other members of the coaching staff this afternoon.
However that doesn't mean the recruiting process is over and done with as Hounshell said that coaches from Notre Dame are scheduled to meet with him tomorrow (Monday).
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Hounshell, a three-star offensive tackle from Kirtland, Ohio, committed to Florida in August. Hounshell had planned to enroll early, but Urban Meyer's resignation and the departure of Steve Adazzio-who had been recruiting Hounshell-led him to delay his arrival in Gainesville and reconsider his options.
"The visit went good," the Lake Catholic standout said. "Coach [Frank] Verducci, Coach [Will] Muschamp, and Coach [Brian] White came to the house at about 3'o'clock."
Despite what Hounshell said was "a great visit" with Florida's staff, he said that he will meet with members of Notre Dame's staff tomorrow. Hounshell did not have a definitive answer on the likelihood that he ends up in Gainesville, though he confirmed that he remains committed.
"It's a pretty good chance," Hounshell said of his chances of sticking with Florida. "I think more than 50%, for sure."
"[After the Florida coaches left], the first thing I felt was that they're great people and I'm still committed," Hounshell added. "That was my mindset."
Becoming acquainted with Coach Frank Verducci, who was recently hired as Florida's offensive line coach, was the highlight of the visit for Hounshell.
"I really just had to sit down with Coach Verducci and really just kind of meet and talk," he said. "Because he's the person I'm going to spend my time with."
Verducci's extensive resume impressed Hounshell. Verducci has coached in the NFL with five different teams and had recently spent time at Notre Dame on the staff of new Florida offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis.
"Coach Verducci seems like a great guy and an even better coach," Hounshell said. "He's got experience like crazy, he's been everywhere. It was a great visit."
Verducci's experience at Notre Dame-a school that figures to be Florida's chief competitor for Hounshell's talents-could play a role.
"[Verducci] talked about his time at Notre Dame, the players he coached there and how he coached and what type of coach he was," Hounshell said.
Hounshell, who is six-foot-five, 242-pounds, said that Florida's coaches were confident that he would gain the necessary weight to play on the offensive line.
"I lift every day," he said. "They weren't worried about my body. They just want me to put on the weight naturally."
Though Hounshell said that he is leaning toward Florida, his decision will be based on where he he is a better fit.
"It's going to be coming down to the comfort level and where I can see myself and where I can see myself being successful," he said.