Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators
- Florida Football Class Breakdown
- Impact Analysis: Baugh is back
- Getting to Know: Davian Groce
- Tulane player goes in-depth on Sumrall
- Getting to Know: CJ Bronaugh
- These 10 players returning would be a great gift for the new staff
“I was definitely eyeing Florida as soon as I got in the portal.”
TJ Shanahan Jr.
1) Florida was a finalist for you coming out of high school before you signed with Texas A&M. What did it come down to back then that put the Aggies over the Gators?
“Honestly, [Texas A&M offensive line] Coach [Steve] Addazio. I didn’t hear much from Coach [Billy] Napier and his staff when I moved to Texas.”
2) After A&M, you end up at Penn State. What was that experience like for you playing under former Florida lineman Phil Trautwein?
“It was great. I gained a lot of football knowledge from Coach Trautwein. He is a very technical coach, and I think in the recruiting process, I was looking to find the coach that would develop me the best, and it was a no-brainer at that point.”
3) He is still relatively young as far as coaches go, but considered one of the best line coaches in the nation. What sets him apart? What makes him who he is?
“His preparation. The way he prepares not only himself but what he expects out of every guy in the room is absolutely next level. It doesn’t matter if you’re a transfer, in your first or fifth year, there is a standard he sets in the room, and I really think it helps guys play fast, physical, and smart football.”
4) When you entered the Portal, did you already have your sights set on Florida? Were there other programs in contact or in the running?
“I was definitely eyeing Florida as soon as I got in the portal. There were a lot of schools reaching out, but after taking my visit, meeting the rest of the staff and Coach [Jon] Sumrall, I knew that I didn’t want to be anywhere else other than the University of Florida.”
5) When did you make your decision? Who did you tell?
“I told Coach Trautwein and Coach Sumrall at the end of my official visit.”
6) The Gator Nation knows next to nothing about Jon Sumrall, only getting to know him via a roughly 30-minute introductory press conference. What is your impression of him? Did anything stand out in your meeting with him?
“He is a fiery guy, and I can tell he wants the University of Florida to not only be great, but elite.”
7) After redshirting at A&M in 23, you played in 10 games and started in five in 2024. What position? What was it like competing in SEC football as a redshirt freshman? After the season, you went into the Portal. Why?
“At Texas A&M, I started mostly at left guard and one game at center. It was definitely something that took getting used to, for sure. It’s not easy to play in the SEC. I entered the Transfer Portal because I wanted to go to a place where I thought I could get developed and maximize my potential. At Penn State, I started mostly at right guard and played one game at left guard. Feel like I did a good job, but I definitely have a lot of things to improve on and get better at.”
8) What position are they projecting you to begin at?
“I am projected anywhere on the interior, and I could play tackle if needed.”
9) Have they given you a timeline as to what is happening next, as far as when you report, housing, etc…
“Not yet, but I imagine before school starts.”
10) Do you have a message for the Gator Nation?
“Get ready for the Sumrall Era! It’s going to be a fun one, and I’m excited to be a part of it. Glad to be coming back home. Such a full circle moment.”
0 comments