DBU is looking to load up in this Florida Gators recruiting class and the Gators have already started to build the position.
The one thing missing in the class is safeties, but the Gators have several key targets that are still waiting to make a decision.
LSU safety commit Grant Delpit (6-4, 171, Bradenton, FL. IMG Academy) is one that has already made a decision, but he has told the Gators that he’s still looking at them hard.
“Florida is still at the top of my list, I’ve been talking to them a lot,” Delpit said. “I told them that they’re number two right now behind LSU. I talk to a lot of their coaches and they’re just recruiting me hard.”
Florida Gators head coach Jim McClain has shown Delpit that he’s a big target by attending one of his games two weeks ago and the safety noticed it.
“Coach McElwain was actually at my game against Trinity Christian,” he said. “It was good, it was great seeing the head coach make me a priority and come watch me play. It was a good feeling.”
McElwain isn’t the only Gators coach making a push for Delpit. Three other assistants are after him with one giving him a message about early playing time.
“I talk to coach [Torrian] Gray, coach [Geoff] Collins and coach [Kerry] Dixon really,” Delpit said of whom he talks too. “Coach Gray just tells me how bad he wants me and how I would fit into their program great. He said that I have the chance to play early.”
Delpit admits that he has a good relationship with defensive backs coach Torrian Gray and he respects the coach’s resume with defensive backs.
“He’s a great coach and he has put a lot of players in the league,” he said of Gray. “He put all of the Fuller brothers in the league. So it shows that he knows what it takes to get you to the league and knows about the preparation for that. I love Coach Gray.”
Defensive coordinator Geoff Collins is also making sure to tell Delpit that early playing time is there for the taking in Gainesville.
“Coach Collins is definitely giving me the pitch to come in and play early,” Delpit said. “He said that they’re losing guys this year so they need guys to come in and contribute. Everyone wants that’s opportunity.”
The Gators have done enough over the last few months to secure a visit from Delpit in the coming weeks.
“Right now, I’m just taking an official visit to Florida and LSU,” he said. “I’m going to take one to Florida in December and since I’m early enrolling I don’t think I will have time to take many more.”
Despite the interest in the Gators, Delpit says one thing will keep him with the LSU Tigers if it happens down the road.
“I’m just riding things out with LSU right now to see what happens, Coach O [Ed Orgeron] has them doing good,” Delpit said of his commitment status. “Yeah, I’m just waiting to see what happens with the coaching staff, if Coach O keeps the job then it’s looking good for LSU.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Right now Florida is doing everything they can with Delpit and they’ve positioned themselves well with everything going on with LSU. If LSU doesn’t keep Ed Orgeron then things could swing into Florida’s favor for Delpit.