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TJ Abrams is a four-star wide receiver from Fort Myers, Florida. Abrams was recruited to Florida by wide receiver coach Billy Gonzales and cornerback coach Corey Raymond. Abrams had his official visit with the Gator on June 16, 2023, but with his options still open he visited Florida State on June 23, 2023.
Abrams decided to commit to Florida State shortly after his visit, and within two weeks decommitted from the Seminoles on July 18, 2023 and flipped to Florida on the same day.
Inside the Gators, Alyssa Britton-Harr got a more personal look at TJ Abrams in this edition of Getting to Know.
FOOTBALL/RECRUITING
Now, take us through the process that led to your commitment to Florida State. What was that experience like for you?
“I committed to Florida State because I knew I had a spot, and it felt like home at the time. Then I had to make the better choice for me, and eventually decommitted.”
Talk us through the process when you ended up making the flip from Florida State to Florida. What decision making went into that especially with them being rivals?
“Really what made me switch was the fact that coach Billy G [Gonzales] put a lot of receivers in the league, and as a receiver that is the goal. So, I went with the guy who had the better resume.”
What was the most appealing part of the University of Florida?
“The community and the people because when I was committed to Florida State I never experienced what it was like to be a player for them, but when I decommitted they were toxic and if you didn’t like them they didn’t like you. So, I am glad to be part of Florida.”
Florida has now had three straight losing seasons, does that at moments give you a cause to pause and rethink your decision?
“No, it’s always good to be the change, so if we come in and we spark a change to have our first winning season since then. People will look at us and it will bring fame to our name in turning Florida around.”
What is your impression on the Florida fanbase based on what you see on social media?
“Even before, when I was committed to Florida State, they were trying to get me to come to Florida, by saying be a Gator. They weren’t saying anything negative like how Florida State was, and that is something you want to see from the community. You don’t want to see people hating you because you’re not going to their school.”
Which school came in second for you and why?
“At one point in time, I did take a visit to Texas A&M. Then they kinda stopped talking to me, so it was never really in the run.”
What is your favorite football memory?
“I would say this recent season in my second overtime game ever versus a rival school. I ended up getting the game-winning touchdown in overtime.”
What would you say are some of your greatest strengths as a football player?
“I would say the ability to track down the ball down, speed.”
What do you really need to work on the most when you get to Florida?
“I think just to perfect my craft. I don’t want to sound cocky, but I have spent a lot of time working on my skill, so just perfecting everything.”
Who is the prospect that you have talked to the most from the Class of 2024?
“I am cool with everybody, but Kahnen Daniels the running back, and then DJ Lagway.”
PERSONAL
What is your major?
“Right now, I am undecided, but I know I want to do something with sports and therapy.”
What’s your favorite quality in a teammate?
“I look for a competitive teammate, but also someone who can take constructive criticism. It can be heated during practice, but then you can go back to the dorm and talk it up like nothing happened.”
Who are you looking forward to playing alongside? Or getting to know on the team?
“This year I would definitely say DJ [Lagway] with him being QB, and to build that relationship as it’s good to have that connection between the QB and a receiver.”
What is your favorite professional football team?
“I don’t have one but I am from Florida originally, so if any team in Florida were to win the Super Bowl I would be happy.”
Who is your favorite professional football player right now? Why?
“Stefon Diggs and when I was a kid my go-to football player was Chris Johnson the running back for the Titans.”
Is there a person, sports personality or not, that has had an influence on your life?
“I would say Lebron James, that is my favorite sports player ever. Him being as old as he is, and still playing at the highest level that he is right now with people comparing him to other people. He doesn’t even worry about it and he just plays his game. That has really inspired me to be the same.”
What are three things on your bucket list?
“Getting a deal with Publix because I love Publix, get my family straight, and the NFL.”
What would be your first purchase if you were drafted as the first-round pick by the NFL?
“I would buy a house for my mom.”
Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
“Either a second or third-round pick probably for the Buccaneers.”
If you had a chance to spend the day with a celebrity, who would it be?
“Definitely, Lebron James.”
What is one item that you cannot live without? Why?
“Video Games, because I could not play my games.”
What are your favorite types of music? Do you have a favorite artist or song?
“I really like all genres, but Hip Pop is my favorite. Little Double O is my favorite artist.”
What is your favorite movie?
“Any Will Smith movie.”
What is your favorite TV show?
“Dexter’s Laboratory.”
If you could go on a dream date with anyone, who would it be?
“I would say Coco Jones.”
What is your favorite meal or favorite food to cook?
“I love to make burgers.”
Walk us through some of your pre game rituals?
“I am superstitious so I have to have things a certain way or I will feel like I’ll have a bad game. I gotta have my cleats on and be banded up or I will feel like my ankle will break if I don’t. Then I just pray before the game.”
If you could spend an entire day with anyone in history, who would that be?
“Michael Metz to get a run down on how he feels with everything in life. Most people don’t agree with what he was doing, but I understand what he was doing. I would like a better understanding of why he did what he did.”
Orange or Blue?
“Blue.”
Favorite flavor of Gatorade?
“Orange is my favorite.”
What is one thing about you that Gator Nation would be surprised to find out about?
“I mean there are a lot of things, but one that I would probably say most people would see is the type of video game I play. I play Call of Duty and Madden, but I am open to the weirdest games you can imagine.”
What’s your message to Gator Nation?
“The plan is to bring a National Championship to everybody.”
Leave a message for your future self.
“Stay persistent, work hard, and never give up.”
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