Upshaw moving forward with no regrets
If he is good and lucky enough to have many options, without question the biggest decision a young man will make to that point in his life is where he will attend college. It isn't just about football, social life or even an education. It is so much more than all of that wrapped up and combined into one huge decision.
It is literally the first step on your path to the rest of your life.
Therefore, it isn't surprising when you see a young man struggle with the decision – even to the point of making bouncing back and forth and making a couple of commitments along the way.
The Gator Nation experienced that last week with the decommit of safety C.J. Smith.
From the moment he committed though, he didn't sound 100-percent sure of his choice. Saying from the get-go he was taking visits and listening to other coaches.
On the one month anniversary of his commitment to Florida, Bradenton (Fla.) Braden River defensive end Taylor Upshaw says he has had no such issues. No buyer's remorse. No indecision or regret whatsoever.
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* Five-star to visit Florida next week
* Final rundown of Gators defensive targets at The Opening
* Final rundown of Gators offensive targets at The Opening
* 2019 Rivals100 defensive end has top nine
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“I haven't had any second thoughts at all,” said Upshaw. “I knew this was the right choice for me so I'm still happy to say I am 'repp'in' the Gators. I'm set and I don't have to worry about the recruiting process or where I'm going to college. For me, right now I am just ready to blow out my senior season and get ready to go to Florida.”
With a brother on the Clemson squad, it might be easier to have two sons on the same team, thus it was thought that the Tigers would be his final destination.
Yes, playing with his brother was a draw, but that isn't enough to overcome what the Gators offered.
“My parents were part of every part of my recruitment. It [commitment] didn't come out of nowhere. We were in agreement that Florida is the best option for me. I would have loved to play with my brother. He really wanted me to go to Clemson, but understands that I had to make the choice as to what was the best fit for me.”
Though they landed him, Florida actually entered the picture much later than other programs recruiting Upshaw.
That leaves him in the unique position of having to build a relationship with the staff after having made his choice – when normally it happens the other way around.
“It's going good,” Upshaw said of his talks with the staff. “I talk to a bunch of the coaches, a lot of the [support] staff. It started not too long ago, but it's building. What I like about [Chris Rumph] him is that he is straight up with you and he produces d-linemen. That's what it's all about.”
Though he is content with his decision, of course it is the job of college coaches to stay in contact just in case.
According to Upshaw, two programs aren't ready to give up just quite yet.
“The main schools still in contact are Clemson and Oregon,” said Upshaw. “They keep pushing, but I am happy with my decision.”
Right now, with his decision out of the way, Upshaw is concentrating on getting better.
He tweeted on Monday that he is down almost 20-pounds as he looks to increase his speed off the edge.
As for this fall, he plans on attending a couple of Florida and Clemson games on Saturday's but his main focus is on his own football season.
“I want to get bigger, I want to get stronger and be a dominant player who can lead my team to states.”
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