(Photo courtesy KingJoseph Edwards)
Florida Football & Recruiting Coverage
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- Impact Analysis: Counting down the impact of the 10 transfers
- Anonymous Player Q&A II: Thoughts on the 2022 season
- Watch: Former Florida lineman has complete faith in Napier
- Anonymous Player Q&A I: The differences between Mullen and Napier
- Getting to Know: Defensive tackle transfer Cam’Ron Jackson
- Watch: Q&A with 2024 quarterback commit DJ Lagway
- Ranking the Great Eight Signees
- Grading the Gators Class of 2023
- Parental Perspective: A football family
- Watch: A behind-the-scenes look at Caden Jones’ Florida official visit
- Regular Season Report Card: Napier has a Muschamp-like first season
When Hoschton (Ga.) Mill Creek four-star edge KingJoseph Edwards released his Top 15 earlier this month, Florida was nowhere to be found. However, that didn’t stop the 6-foot-5, 240-pounder from visiting for the Gators’ Junior Day on Saturday.
𝐢𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 @GatorsFB 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 @coach_bnapier @SpenceChaos @PToney @PeaglerWilliam @CoachLWillliams @UF_CoachRaymond @coachmhocke 🐊🐊 @Corey_Bender @InsideTheGators @JeremyO_Johnson @fbscout_florida @AndrewSpiveyGC @Jason_Higdon #CHOMP pic.twitter.com/2JAw6qJity
— KingJoseph Edwards (@KingjosephE) January 28, 2023
QUICK Q&A
With as many offers as you have, when you released your top 15, were there coaches hitting you up left and right wondering why they didn’t make the list?
“Yes, I actually wish I didn’t drop a top 15 because lots of coaches were contacting me disappointed they weren’t on the list.”
Florida wasn’t on there. Why?
“I based my top 15 on schools I’m in contact with the most. I have coaches visit all the time in person, at school. UF checks on me regularly via text, but not too often in person. That’s why. On every visit I have, I get along really well with the coaches! Coach [William] Peagler being at the top of my list, Coach [Sean] Spencer as well.”
What will it take for the Gators to make your next leaderboard or has that ship sailed?
“At this point, I’m not cutting my list. Since I’ve posted my top 15 I’ve already made changes. Coaches move to different programs and for me, that changes everything.
What was the Florida coach’s message to you today?
“Their message was to keep working and continue to be coachable.”
You are listed mostly as a rush end, but you posted on Twitter of you with tight ends coach William Peagler. Does UF like you on the offensive side of the ball?
“Florida says I can pick which side of the ball I want to play.”
What was the highlight of the day?
“The highlight of my day was speaking to Coach Peagler.”
Why is that?
“Coach Peagler spoke about how most tight ends are converted in college and don’t like to study film. I actually like film watching, how I can improve watching my opponent. He asked me my thoughts and told me to stay humble and work. His personality makes it easy to learn from him and that’s what I want to do. Learn, improve and grow into an NFL draft pick.”
Did you get a chance to meet up or interact with any current players? If so, who and what did they say to you?
“I did meet two players, but unfortunately I didn’t get their names. They were getting extra work in. They just said what’s up, and it was nice to meet me.”
Did you get a chance to interact with any of the other visitors? If so, who and what did y’all talk about?
“I know the tailback [Jerrick Gibson] from IMG Academy who was there. He was the only one I spoke to. We spoke about recruiting and what we like about Florida.”
I assume DJ Lagway is in your ear. Did you get a chance to speak with him today?
“Unfortunately, I did t get a chance to speak to DJ.”
What are your thoughts on the new football facilities? What stood out about it to you?
“The facility is nice but at this point, all the top schools have nice facilities.”
What are your thoughts about Florida after taking this visit?
“Florida is really nice, but I remember that from my last visit. Lots of successful athletes graduate from there. It’s a good school, good football, good place to learn – but more importantly, grow as a person and player.”
What stands out about Florida?
“What sticks out about UF is Coach Peagler and Coach Spencer. They make the program for me. Spencer sticks out because now comes with a lot of experience and has a positive attitude. Peagler sticks out because he’s so passionate about the game.”
Did you speak with Billy Napier? What did he say and what is your impression of him?
“Coach Napier had a meeting. I didn’t get to see him today.”
(Note: The photo above is from his June 2022 visit to Florida)
Where does Florida stand right now?
“Where do they stand? Let’s just say I am eager to get back and see them for a spring practice!”
What are some of the next visits you have planned and when is your next announcement as far as cutting down your list or committing?
“I plan to commit after my senior season.”
Edwards is the No. 37 ranked prospect in the nation according to the On3 Consensus.
In case you missed it! @JeremyO_Johnson @adamgorney @Mansell247 @RWrightRivals @jeffsentell @GrindFactory7v7 pic.twitter.com/AldD68rUj7
— KingJoseph Edwards (@KingjosephE) January 3, 2023