Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators
- Watch: Perez Commits to Florida
- O&B Board: Weekend Visitor Updates
- Post-Spring/Transfer Portal Ranking of Florida position-by-position
- Getting to Know: Byron Louis
- Mock Signing Class 3.0
- Recruiting Wire: In-state four-star will officially visit
- Florida solidifies position as a top option for four-star
- Commitment Burn Barometer
- 10 Most Wanted: Florida’s Top 10 Targets
Onis Konanbanny, a three-star cornerback from Columbia (S.C.) Heathwood Halle signed with Florida after flipping from Tennessee late in the process.
Learn more about him on a personal level in this edition of Getting to Know.
FOOTBALL/RECRUITING
What was the big difference between Tennessee and Florida that made your final decision to flip?
“Florida has an expectation to win, with a history like Florida they hold a high standard.”
Take us through the process of recruitment and the commitment to Florida. What was the experience for you?
“At the time I was 100% committed to Tennessee, for a while Coach [Will] Harris was reaching out and I decided to take him up on that offer and take a trip to Gainesville for the game against Ole Miss. I liked how Florida played defense and signing day was in two weeks and I did not sign anywhere, I continued to take visits and think until national signing day and I committed to Coach Napier and the Gators.”
Outside of Tennessee and Florida, what other schools were on your radar?
“Florida State … .and Chapel Hill [North Carolina]. Most people don’t know I was silently committed to Chapel Hill and I was all into Chapel Hill since my sophomore year before Tennessee.”
What inspired you to pursue American football, given that you’re from another country?
“My best friend Kofi Taylor-Barrocks who plays at UTEP, started playing. He told me to come to a practice and I liked it and I went to a training session with my coach in London, he told me “I would be good and I have the ball skills to play corner.” then after that I gave it my all.”
What is the strangest, weirdest, and craziest moment that you saw during recruiting?
“I saw a crazy workout if you are late you have to push a sled 50 yards without warming up”
If you could change one thing about the recruiting process, what would it be?
“That coaches would be matter-of-fact and chill and not try to force a commitment on an athlete. That is also the main reason why I did commit to Florida, because Coach Harris gave me time to think and did not pressure me on a decision.”
What is your favorite football memory?
“This past year against our rival, there was a team we weren’t supposed to beat at all and I had two touchdowns and crazy plays, and when we won, all the fans and little kids ran on the field.”
What would you say are some of your greatest strengths as a football player?
“My footwork”
What was the most fascinating part about UF?
“Knowing I can be a part of history and bringing the swagger back with defense and bringing back the Brandon Spikes era.”
Who have you spoken to the most, that is an upperclassman on the Gators’ squad?
“Enoch Wangoy because we both are from the UK and Devin Moore because we play the same position.”
Who has been your biggest role model in your life and why?
“Probably my high school head coach, he is really big in the community and is respected by many. He overcame a lot of challenges and I admire how everyone sees him and gravitates towards him.”
What do you want people to think when they hear your name five years from now?
“That I was loved and I was an outstanding player, very approachable,e and made an impact on everyone that approached me.”
What advice do you have for young players dreaming of going to college?
“Stay grinding and keep the main goal the main goal and do not get distracted”
What is your favorite quality in a teammate?
“Funny and someone that is hardworking and holds themselves accountable.”
PERSONAL
What is your major?
“Sports management with business, after football one of my goals is to build a foundation to have a deal with the United States and the United Kingdom, to combine European athletes with American athletes to help transition the athletes and help showcase their talent, and help European athletes to put them on a bigger scale. Also involve myself in working with the government to help with the visas so they are not limited to only private schools if they want to play sports in America because a lot of great athletes our from public schools. Someday I would also have my own facility in the UK.”
What is one item you can’t live without?
“My PlayStation 5, my favorite game right now is college football.”
What is your favorite movie?
“Any movie with Kevin Hart but Ride Along 1 and 2.”
What is the current show you are binge-watching?
“9-1-1”
What is your favorite meal to cook?
“Pasta or anything with steak and potatoes or steak and fries.”
If you could have dinner with three people alive or deceased, who would those three people be?
“Jalen Ramsey to discuss football techniques, Kevin Hart because he would crack jokes at the table and Bill Gates to help me get rich.”
What animal describes you the best?
“A tiger, but monkeys are cool as well.”
What would be your first purchase if you got drafted in the NFL?
“A house back home in England.”
What is your hype song before heading onto the field?
“Life and Glory by NBA Young Boy”
What are you looking forward to in college outside of football?
“Hanging out with the guys”
If you could play one sport that’s not football, what would it be?
“Soccer”
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