Clarington impressed by the Florida Gators atmosphere

Ever since the Florida Gators lost tight end Jake McGee the Gators have had a hole at the tight end position this year and the coaching staff has started to recruit the position more and as they look to possibly add three tight ends in the Class of 2015.

On Saturday tight end Devonaire Clarington (6-5, 224, Miami, FL Booker T. Washington) took his first unofficial to see the Florida Gators this fall and he left impressed by the multiple day visit.

“It was a great visit, I stayed yesterday and today (Sat-Sun),” Clarington said. “I got to watch the game, meet the coaches, go in the locker room with the players and basically see everything that Florida has to offer. It was a great visit overall.”

Clarington had the opportunity to see the tailgate scene as well as how the fans reacted during the game and he says the Florida Gators crowd was the best one he has seen so far.

“The town is lovely, the fans and atmosphere were just in another world they were so loud,” Clarington said. “Yeah it was the loudest game that I’ve ever been to. The fans were loud and celebrating. It was louder than I expected it to be. I know that I would be fired up in that atmosphere.”

During the Gators’ tough loss to the LSU Tigers Clarington paid close attention to the offense and points to one play late in the game as the difference maker of the outcome.

“The offense didn’t do that bad during the game,” Clarington said. “The tight end should have made that catch because it would’ve probably sealed the game for Florida right there.”

After the game was over Clarington had the opportunity to speak to his area recruiter, Travaris Robinson, and to tight ends Coach Derek Lewis who had a message for the talented Miami tight end.

“I talked to Coach Lewis, Coach T-Rob and to Coach [Will] Muschamp this weekend,” Clarington said. “Coach Lewis said that he wants me to come in and work hard and that he wants me to be a Gator. Coach Lewis said that I had unbelievable talent and that I could help the team win.”

Before Clarington left on Sunday he had the chance to meet with Will Muschamp in his office where the head coach wrapped up the two day visit for Clarington with nice long talk.

“Coach Muschamp said that he was glad to see me up there and he wanted to know how I enjoyed the visit,” Clarington said. “He said that he wants me real bad and that he wants me to come back soon.”

Right now Clarington has maintained that he’s focused on his season but he does know one school that will get an official visit.

“I don’t have any other visits planned right now,” Clarington said. “I’m still working on setting up my official visits right now but I know Florida is getting one for sure.”

January is setting up to be a big month for the Florida Gators and Clarington is now planning on making his decision that month as well.

“I’m planning on announcing my decision at the U.S. Army game in January,” Clarington said. “I don’t have any leaders right now.”

 

INSIDER BUZZ: Florida left a big impression on the talented tight end but there is still a long way to go here as Clarington hasn’t visited many schools so far but I do believe the Florida Gators will be in the mix until the end.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.