Please Read: Welcome to the new Inside the Gators
- The Inside Scoop: In-depth spring review
- Florida talking to under-the-radar lineman about June official visit
- Recruiting Quick Hitter: Three four-stars looking closely at Florida
When Hiram (Ga.) four-star tight end Walter Matthews was first offered by Florida, William Peagler was coaching his position. Now that Peagler has moved on to the NFL, and Russ Calloway has replaced him on the UF staff, the 6-foot-7, 250-pounder is in the opening stages of building a relationship.
On Saturday that continued with his visit to campus.
“It was just me and my dad,” explained Matthews. “I talked to Coach [Billy] Napier, did a photoshoot, and toured the facilities. But, I spoke with Coach [Russ] Callaway the most. I feel like their point was to make this [Florida] feel like home.”
Asked for his impression of Callaway, Matthews responded, “He’s energetic. He’s someone you want coaching your players.”
Because of his size, you might think that Matthews is thought of more as a potential inline blocker, but Hiram moves him all over the field in order to find mismatches.
And he has delivered.
Last season as a junior he had 20 catches for 425 yards and 8 touchdowns.
According to Matthews, Florida has made him a priority because of what he can bring to the table in the passing game.
“They explained their plan with me, how they want to use the tight end in their offense,” said Matthews. “Ever since Kyle Pitts left they weren’t able to use their tight ends like they’ve wanted to. They like me because I can run a variety of different routes. The highlight [of the visit] was definitely learning their offensive scheme.”
With spring unofficial visits to Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Southern Cal in the books, it’s now time for Matthews to focus on official visits and a leaderboard.
“Florida definitely is in the top school up there with USC,” said Matthews. “I’m going to USC the first weekend of June and Florida the second weekend. The other visit I might take is to Georgia Tech.”
Matthews was then asked what he specifically liked about each of his favorites.
Florida: “Their support and the way they’ve been recruiting me.”
Southern Cal: “I like the environment. I like their place and I felt a connection to it.”
Matthews is the No. 104 ranked prospect in the nation according to the On3 Consensus.
:p:p
None of them were here when he was.
Miami is TE U. None of the coaches there now coached all of their great TE but they still recruit like they are TE U.
We should use all the ex players we can.