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Heze Kent is a four-star tight end/offensive tackle from Brunswick, Ga. McCoy had his official visit with the Gators back in June of 2025 and committed not long afterward. He then signed with the organization on December 5.
Learn more about his recruiting process, his role as a football player, and his personal life in this edition of Getting to Know.
FOOTBALL/RECRUITING
Take us through the process that led to your commitment. What was that experience like for you?
“It was overwhelming at times, but I talked to God in all the decisions that I made. One day I came off a visit, and I made a top 10, then two weeks later I made my top 7, then two weeks later I made my top 5, and I kept the top 5 until official visit season. I went on a cruise, then the next day I told my parents I wanted to be a Gator.”
Which school came in second for you and why?
“Florida State, because they did an amazing job recruiting me.”
What inspired you to start playing football?
“My uncle was a football coach, and he asked my mom if I wanted to come out and play football, and she said sure, I have nothing else to do. That happened when I was six years old.”
What was it like to be committed and have the previous staff dismissed and a new staff brought in?
“When Napier got fired, it was a bummer. We kind of knew that was going to happen. I was hoping Coach Russ Callaway was staying, but he took a position elsewhere because the new staff was taking a bit [of time deciding] if they wanted to keep him or not.“
What would you say are some of your greatest strengths as a football player?
“I am a dog on the field, and a competitor.”
What is the most appealing part to you about the University of Florida?
“The love from the fans, the fans are crazy.”
What is your favorite football memory?
“When I was like ten, it was my first time playing defense. The quarterback ran a keeper, and I snatched the ball away from him, stiff-armed him into the dirt, and ran the ball 60 yards for a touchdown. In high school, we went against Coffee County. I had five catches for 303 yards and three touchdowns.”
What do you really need to work on the most when you get to Florida?
“Everything so I can get better.”
Who have you spoken to the most from your recruiting class?
“JaReylan McCoy and G’nivre Carr.”
Which Florida Gators players have you spoken with the most?
“Amir Jackson, Tony Livingston, Caleb Banks, Vernell Brown III, and Micah Jones.”
Who are you looking most forward to either playing with or maybe going against in practice?
“Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, and on defense, I just want to play against all of them.”
What is your favorite professional football team?
“Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars.”
Who is your favorite player of all time?
“Travis Kelce and LeBron James.”
What is the strangest thing that happened in the recruiting process?
“Standing up and introducing yourself to everyone.”
PERSONAL
What is your major?
“Communications.”
If you could play a sport outside of football, which sport would it be?
“Basketball.“
What is one thing Gator Nation does not know about you?
“I like country music, especially Darius Rucker.”
What would be your first purchase if you got drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft?
“Buying my mom a car or a house.”
What is one item that you cannot live without?
“My phone.”
You’re given the AUX chord for the locker room before a practice or big game; what is the go-to song you’re playing?
“NBA Youngboy [Games of war, Murda business, and I hate YoungBoy] and HEJ [Go Gators].”
What is your favorite movie?
“Home Alone.”
What is your favorite TV show?
“SpongeBob SquarePants.”
What is your favorite flavor of Gatorade?
“Cool Blue and Lime.”
What are you binge-watching at the moment?
“Stranger Things.”
Do you play any video games, which ones?
“NCAA and NBA2k.”
What wild animal/insect would you be, and why?
“Black Panther and there’s no why, I always wanted to be a black panther.”
What are you looking forward to in college outside of football?
“To have a good time. ”
What do you want people to think when they hear the name Heze Kent five years from now?
“Greatness.”
What advice do you have for young players dreaming of going to college?
“Chase your dreams, don’t look back, and if people tell you that you can’t do it, don’t listen to them, keep striving.”
What is your favorite quality in a teammate?
“Someone who can give me constructive criticism. ”
What is your favorite meal to cook?
“Pancakes, eggs, sausage, and grits.”
If you could have dinner with three people from any point in history, who would they be, and why?
“My little league coach who passed away last year [Kenyone Walker], my middle school basketball coach, who passed away, who was my mentor [Mr. Jerry Brown] and my best friend [Mykal Ellis], who was murdered going into my sophomore year of high school.”
What is on your bucket list?
“Skydiving, traveling around the world, and making it into the NFL.”
Apple Music or Spotify
“Apple Music.”
Early bird or night owl?
“Night Owl.”
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
“Liars, messy people, and haters.”
Cats or dogs?
“Dogs.”
Quiet or outgoing?
“I can be both.”
What’s your hidden talent?
“I can sing and dance.”
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