Florida came out fast at the dead period’s end hosting several touted prospects in the 2022 and 2023 classes on June 1, the first time recruits could visit a college campus since March of 2020 as college football world reacted to the Covid-19 pandemic.
And the returns from those in Gainesville are strong.
“That atmosphere was great,” touted running back Damari Alston said. “The coaches were hype and excited to have me there. Had great talks with Coach Mullen and Coach Knox. Coach Knox was really impressed with the 1-on-1 workout we had. Especially that I ran a 4.5 forty yard dash.”
Holding over 50 offers, the four-star Alston sees a fit for himself in Gainesville.
“They use their backs is the way my school uses me,” he said. “In the passing game and run game. I feel like in order to be a good back you have got to have both. I’m a versatile back and I see myself fitting right in.”
So do several others.
“The atmosphere was great and electric and exciting,” five-star defensive lineman Mykel Williams said, adding that the opportunity to play early for terrific coaches fires him up the most about UF. “The highlight for me was either the photoshoot or the indoor facility.”
“The atmosphere was pretty crazy yesterday,” four-star receiver Isaiah Horton said. The Gators are a major player in his recruitment. “Getting to see the school in person was a wonderful experience for me and my family. Meeting Coach G and Coach Mullen for the first time was great. Highlight for me was watching film with Coach G and with the other receivers.”
“Man it was amazing to be in The Swamp that day,” cornerback Jaquise Alexander said. “It was an incredible atmosphere there. I met all of the coaches and they were all excited about me. The two things that stood out the most was the athletic facility of course and they have their own building for players to get 1-on-1 tutoring and that means a lot to me because that means they care about their players academics too.”
Touted defensive back Nick Cull says the Gators are near the top of his list as well.
“The atmosphere was phenomenal,” Cull said. “Met some really great people and strengthened my relationship with their staff. The highlight for me was how they show I worked and competed.”
The up-and-comers in the rising junior class are feeling Florida early in their process.
“It was great,” five-star running back/athlete Treyaun Webb said. “A family environment. The highlight was the sit down with Coach Mullen and Coach Knox.
The Gators look to be in a good spot with him.
“The tradition, I have former teammates and my cousin played there, and I’m very close with the staff.”
The other 2023s felt the same vibe as Webb.
“I enjoyed being around the staff and all of the facilities,” five-star linebacker Jaiden Ausberry said. “My highlights were talking with Coach Mullen and especially talking to and getting to know Coach Robinson some more. I also enjoyed going on the field and trying on the uniforms. I think I could really fit into their defensive scheme and I get along very well with the staff, especially Coach Robinson.”
“The atmosphere was good, they had a good plan to show a lot of great areas,” offensive tackle Clay Wedin said. “I loved seeing the academic side of things from the facilities to the support staff. My highlight was breaking down some film with Coach Hevesy and hearing his personal perspective and approach to line play. All in all a great visit! UF is a great place they are absolutely one of my top schools that I could see myself going to. They are definitely one of my leaders.”
“You could tell everyone and the coaches have been waiting for this day forever and were 100 percent ready,” Top247 defensive end Keon Keeley said. “My highlight probably has to be the environment during the photo shoot, everyone was excited and ready to go, everyone was making friends and the pads, uniform, and accessories were awesome! Florida is an amazing school and I had a great time yesterday! I am grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given due to my teammates and coaches and consider every school, Florida is definitely a great school and is a place I will definitely get back up to!”
“Great turnout in Gainesville yesterday!” Top247 safety Elliot Washington stated. “A lot of elite guys eager to meet the coaches and visit the campus. Florida staff did a great job hosting. Highlights were when we were taken down to the Swamp on the field and the Jumbotron came on, immediately got goosebumps when that happened, it was cool! Also, highlights was the photoshoot with dressing in the Gator game uniforms taking action shots in different poses. All in all great atmosphere, Coach Mullen, Coach Grantham and Coach Jules the DB coach were the coaches I spoke to the most on my visit.”
“The atmosphere was so welcoming they had me sold for real,” cornerback Sharif Denson said. “It was my first unofficial visit so I was taken away by the whole thing. The highlights were of course taking pictures and stuff as well as breaking down the game with Coach Jules and get to the small details of the corner position with him. UF is a considerable option for sure, they are definitely in the mix. They are so interested in talking to me, like I talk to Coach Jules every Monday night.”
