Last Saturday afternoon the Florida Gators recruiting visitors list was a little small, but had several big names on that list.
2018 running back Lorenzo Lingard (6-0, 180 Orange City, FL. University) was one of those prospects on campus and he likes head coach Jim McElwain’s offense.
“The visit was great, the environment was very special to me,” Lingard said of his Florida visit. “Seeing how the Gators came out and approached the game very physical and at a high rate was great to see. Also I like how Coach Mac called the running game, those plays I already run in high school. It seems like a fit to me.”
Lingard said that he noticed several freshmen playing against Kentucky including one running back.
“It’s very encouraging to see that Coach Mac has a heart to put guys out there as freshman,” he said of Lamical Perine’s 100-yard rushing game. “It was very encouraging.”
Lingard has put together a great season so far this year and has speed to go along with power and he believes that’s what makes him a good fit for the Gators.
“Of course,” Lingard said when asked if he could fit into Florida’s offense. “Seeing the slightest hole, I would know to hit the hole full speed to break out. So seeing the hole here, I think that if I was here it would be at least a 10-yard run or a touchdown for me.”
September first was the first day that schools could contact 2018 prospects and Lingard says since then Gators have been after him hard.
“They’re making me a priority,” he said of Florida. “Since September first, I’m getting good luck and good morning text from them. Stuff that shows me that they really want me here. Coach [Tim] Skipper is the coach talking to me the most.”
Running backs coach Tim Skipper is leading the charge of contacting Lingard and sharing a message with the 2018 back.
“Coach Skipper basically talks to me about how great it would be for me to be a Gator,” Lingard said of Skipper’s message. “He also talks to me about how special it would be to fit in here and how the great the education is here. He tells me that I can fulfill my dream of playing in the NFL here.”
Skipper, McElwain and the rest of the Gators coaching staff have really stepped up their game in recruiting Lingard according to the back.
“I would say they’re recruiting more now, and after today [Saturday] being here, it’s kind of like a check mark on my list for them,” he said of Florida. “This school showed me today and I want to check them out more now. The Gators had a big impact on me today [Saturday]. Every time I come here they do a good job of making me feel wanted.”
Lingard was asked how his game would fit in at Florida with the backs already there and the 2018 back had no hesitation that he would fit in.
“They have a great strength program and the Florida heat and I’m used to it,” Lingard said on adjusting at Florida. “I think I can be a home threat here and every time I get here I get more comfortable with everyone.”
The Gators aren’t the only school after Lingard, who’s considered one of the best for next year.
“Pitt, Florida State, Alabama and Miami,” he said of school’s that have talked to him recently. Really there is no leaders right now but the schools in the mix are Florida, Florida State, Miami, Alabama and Auburn.”
INSIDERS TAKE: At one time it seemed like it was Florida or Miami for Lingard but the running back backed off naming leaders on Saturday. I would those are still likely the top two schools for the very talented 2018 running back.