Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators
- Where UF stands in recruiting rankings by each service
- Post-Spring Ranking of Florida position-by-position
- Grading the Gators: New Additions
- Tulane player goes in-depth on Sumrall
Florida extended an offer last week to Goodyear (Ariz) Desert Edge three-star defensive lineman Yahzeen Zion. And then on Monday, the 6-foot-5, 265-pounder cut his lengthy list of offers down to a top five consisting of Florida, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
Inside the Gators contacted Zion to talk about his recruitment. Here is what he had to say.
YAHZEEN ZION
How did the offer come about? What coach made it, and what did they say to you?
“I had a conversation with Coach Chatman. He spoke about development and coming to see me at my school. Coach Chatman made the offer. He watched my film and told me he liked it.”
What are your thoughts on head coach Jon Sumrall?
“Coach Sumrall has a defensive background that’s all I know.”
How is it that Florida offered this late in the process but still made your top five? What is it about the Gators that puts them in that position?
“When a team offers, it doesn’t matter to me because there could be different reasons why it happens. They just had a first-rounder at the position they are recruiting me to play.”
Do you have any official visits set yet? Have you set one with Florida?
“I have Wisconsin June 5th, Oklahoma June 12th, and LSU June 19th. [I’m] Still waiting on Florida and Miami.”
Are there any of your top schools that have set themselves apart? Who stands above the rest?
“Everyone is even, that’s why I’m taking OVs.”
What are you looking for in a program? Do you have a set decision date?
“I am looking for development and opportunity to play early. My commitment will be the first week of July.”
Zion is the No. 734-ranked prospect in the nation according to the Rivals Industry Consensus
If he really liked us he would visit.