The Florida Gators recruiting class of 2018 is looking to add two running backs and they’re also looking to add speed at the position and that was noticeable in the last two offers.
Two weeks ago the Gators offered speed back Lavonte Valentine and last week the staff offered running back Jashaun Corbin (6-0, 191, Melbourne, FL. Holy Trinity) who heard the news from receivers coach Kerry Dixon.
“Coach Dixon was the coach the one who told me about the offer,” Corbin said. “He’s been to my school before and we met in January so we’ve been keeping in touch. So him, Coach [JaJuan] Seider and Coach Mac sat down and talked about me and then they called and gave me the offer.”
When Dixon offered Corbin last week, he explained why the Gators wanted to offer him and what he brings to the table.
“He said that they were offering me as a running back,” he said of Dixon’s message. “He said that they like my playmaking ability and he also brought up how I’m really good at making one cut and getting vertical. He said that they like how I catch the ball and that I would be a match-up problem with a linebacker if I go out wide.”
Running backs coach JaJuan Seider is trying to build relationships with many instate kids including Corbin and they started that process last week.
“I talked to Coach Seider right after I talked to Coach Dixon,” Corbin said. “We were just kind of introducing ourselves because this was my first time talking to him. We’re just trying to get to know each other and talking about our backgrounds.”
Florida has a built in connection with Corbin that includes two guys who know what it means to play in the Swamp.
“The offer means a lot and it means ever more because a former alumni of my school went there, Marcus Maye,” he said of the Florida offer. “My uncle [T.J. Lawrence] played for the Gators back in 08’ during the Tim Tebow era when they won a championship.”
Corbin hasn’t visited Gainesville yet as a prospect but he says he plans to change that in the coming weeks.
“I’m going to be up there soon for a visit,” Corbin said. “Coach Dixon sent me a couple of dates that I can get up there for a visit. I’m going to try and get up there and watch a practice.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Corbin has had a big month so far as Florida and Michigan have both offered over the last week. Corbin is known for his speed but he’s also a really good between the tackles runner as well and has the ability to be a three-down back.