Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators
- Take Five: Spring Preview
- Projected Starting Lineup: Pre-Spring
- Pre-Spring Ranking of Florida position-by-position
- Grading the Gators: New Additions
- Tulane player goes in-depth on Sumrall
Inside the Gators asked Florida targets for their thoughts on the Gators after being invited to watch Saturday’s Orange & Blue Game. Find out what top prospects, including 2027 four-star quarterback commit Davin Davidson, four-star defensive lineman Tyler Alexander, four-star 2028 athlete Nicholas Carroll, as well as others, thought of the new staff and where they stand early in the process.
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Note: Continue checking back over the next couple of days, we’ll be adding more responses as we receive them
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- 2028 offensive tackle Troy Falke
“I thought it was a great first visit to the University of Florida. They have great facilities, and I really liked that their field is still natural grass. Even for a spring game, the atmosphere in the Swamp was electric. The fans really showed out and were very engaged in the game. The thing that stood out the most to me was how good the pass protection was. It seemed as though the quarterback had 4-5 seconds to throw every time, which is great for moving the ball. I spoke with several coaches, including Coach [Phil] Trautwein, Coach [Buster] Faulkner, Coach [Emil] Ekiyor, and team GM Nick Polk, about my recent transition to the O-Line, my upcoming spring practices, and returning for summer camps.”
- Three-star running back Donterrius Mincey
“I’d say my visit to Florida went really well overall. I appreciated the opportunity to get on campus and see the Florida Gators program up close. The atmosphere at the stadium during the spring game was great, definitely a lot of energy. During the game, what stood out to me was how competitive everything felt and the way the coaches were coaching the players throughout. The highlight for me was being able to spend time around the staff and learn more about how they develop their players. They shared some good insight with me, and I’m thankful for that. Right now I’m just focused on continuing to build relationships and see where everything goes!”
- 2028 four-star athlete Nicholas Carroll (offered while on campus)
“I had a great time at the spring game, being able to see everything live and feel the atmosphere made it a very good visit. What stood out the most was the energy around the program. The environment, the way the team competes, and how everything is run as a whole. The Gators are definitely one of the schools at the top of my list.”
- Defensive lineman Amir Moore
“My overall thoughts are I love the school and hope to be closer to them. I love the way the d-line played.”
- 2028 offensive lineman Braden Olsen
“My visit this weekend was very positive! The atmosphere at the Orange and Blue game was electric! There was great energy from the players and coaches! I paid close attention to the O-Line, and what stood out to me was the physicality that they played with and their hand placement. Also, in a recent interview, I watched of Coach [Jon] Sumrall, I really liked what he had to say about how important it is for the offensive line to work together as one unit. The highlight of my visit was having the opportunity to meet with the offensive line coaches. The coaches were glad that I was able to attend the spring game, and Coach [Phil] Trautwein said that he is planning to come visit me during our spring football season at Spruce Creek High School, which starts April 27th with the game being played on May 21st. The Florida Gators are one of the top teams on my list!
- 2028 three-star edge Tristian Henderson
“I loved the visit. They showed lots of love. The atmosphere was great, and so many fans came and showed support for a spring game. I noticed that every player ran to the ball, and the whole team had a good motor, which I like about them. My favorite highlight was seeing KD Hall get a big hit. Coaches were just trying to get to know me and learn about my playing style. I still have not decided where Florida stands.”
- Four-star cornerback Aamaury Fountain
“I mean, my overall [thoughts on the] visit is, this is the place to be. I loved the atmosphere; it was unreal
What stood out were the plays that were made. The highlight was the game. I mean, the coaches loved it, you should’ve seen when I flipped.”
- 2028 three-star cornerback Dominick Harris Payne
“The atmosphere there was a crazy atmosphere, very high energy and physicality. Everyone is getting after it and flying around. Crazy fan base that really cares, and you can tell they are passionate about the team. What stood out to me the most is how nice all the staff are there, like last year they were very nice, but this year it’s just something different, and it’s exciting. My highlight was definitely talking to Coach [Jon] Sumrall and just seeing and knowing that he really likes me and is excited about me and my possible future at the Gators. He really has the guys trending in the upward direction, and I’m excited for that. I also talked with the cornerbacks coach, Brandon Harris, who is the one who offered me as well, and he was with me for almost the whole time I was there, and he is also very fired up about me and excited for my future, possibly with the Gators. Right now, and after today, UF stands pretty high with me. In addition to Florida being my dream school, I also love what they have going on there, and the possibility that I could potentially be there in the future is pretty exciting. They definitely are high on the radar for me.”
- Four-star defensive tackle Tyler Alexander
“It was great to be back in Florida. I loved the game day atmosphere! What stood out was the D-Line dominance. All of them were eating. Coaches showed love. They are still in my top five.”
- Four-star quarterback commit Davin Davidson
“I had an amazing visit, there was tons of hospitality and energy! The atmosphere is like no other, and I got to connect with fans and alumni, which was awesome! They were getting the ball to their playmakers in space and letting them work. I love how much diversity the offense has. They can pick defenses apart in so many ways. The highlight was probably me being up there as a commit for the first time. I had a ton of great opportunities to connect with recruits, fans, and alumni, and it just goes to show how much culture there is within the program and community.”
