Recruiting Quick Hitter: Three four-stars looking closely at Florida

by Mark Wheeler
0 comment


On Sunday Leesburg (Va.) Tuscarora four-star offensive tackle Fletcher Westphal included Florida in his Top Five, along with Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, and Georgia.

The 6-foot-8, 300-pounder shared with Inside the Gators why Florida made his list.

“Florida made the list because Coach [Billy] Napier and [Rob] Sale have made me feel like a priority from my offer to now,” said Westphal. “All gas, no brakes. Coach Sale and [Darnell] Stapleton have visited my school in Virginia multiple times and they stay in contact. Having two offensive line coaches means more development for me. A top education from Florida is great too.”

Westphal added that he would be setting official visits to those programs over the next week.

Related: Highly sought-after lineman goes in-depth on Florida visit

After pledging to Colorado back in February, Lafayette (La.) Christian Academy four-star cornerback Ju’Juan Johnson finds himself back on the market after deciding to decommit earlier this week.

Florida, who was a finalist when he announced for the Buffaloes, is once again in contention for the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder.

“I just felt I committed too soon and wanted to reevaluate my decision,” was the reason Johnson gave for opening things back up. “My heart wasn’t in line.”

Johnson said that even while he was committed to CU, Florida coaches remained in contact. “They said they respected my decision.”

Leaving his campus visit back in January, Johnson spoke of his relationship with UF defensive backs coach Corey Raymond.

“Great coach obviously,” said Johnson. “Since he’s offered we have talked a lot and got to spend some time together one-on-one this weekend. He’s from where I’m from so we can relate to a lot.”

This spring he has been visited by Florida, Ole Miss and Texas.

Johnson added he plans on visiting Florida (6/9), LSU and Ole Miss in June before making his decision.

Though he didn’t want to name them, he said one program sticks out above the crowd.

“There is one school that sticks out, but I want to be sure when I get up there.”

A month ago Tampa (Fla.) Catholic four-star receiver TJ Moore visited Florida where he had an opportunity to meet in person with new Gators’ wideout coach Billy Gonzales face-to-face. On Tuesday, Gonzales returned the favor by visiting a Crusader’s spring practice.

The relationship between prospect and potential position coach continues to grow.

“Coach G [Gonzales] is cool as hell and his production rate [in producing receivers] is nuts. He really wants to coach me.”

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Moore said he is also developing a relationship with Florida head coach Billy Napier.

“Coach Napier, I’ve met him one time, but he’s a chill coach that’s fun to be around.”

When it comes to recruiting and visits, Moore said that his favorite campus trips so far have been to Clemson, Florida, Tennessee, and Texas A&M.

He also knows where he will take two of his official visits.

“Clemson and UF.”

When asked if there are any leaders or standouts, Moore replied, “Florida and Clemson are at the top right now, but Tennessee, Ohio State, Pitt, Penn State, A&M, and Miami are up there.”

Go to discussion...

Related Articles

0 comments

Leave a comment

Please log in to your forum account to comment

Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2022 XenForo Ltd. Style and add-ons by ThemeHouse