Florida Gators one of Hooper’s “favorite schools” following his visit

It what is beginning to be a daily headline, the Florida Gators hosted another top visitor on campus on Wednesday as spring ball continues.

This time it was linebacker Tyron Hooper (6-3, 220, Roswell, GA. High) who visited the Gators and he enjoyed his time in Gainesville.

“It was great, I loved it and had a wonderful time.” Hooper said of his Florida visit. “We just went around campus and then I hung out with Coach [Christian] Robinson most of the time.”

This was the first time for Hooper to meet the new coaching staff and he walked away impressed by the staff that Dan Mullen has put together.

“I love the coaching staff and the atmosphere there,” he said. “I love defense and everything, I feel like I would be a great fit. I love everything there. They have a lot of energy there.”

Hooper and linebackers coach Christian Robinson have built a relationship but Wednesday was the first time for the two to meet and the meeting went extremely well.

“He said it was great to finally meet in person,” Hooper said of meeting Robinson on Wednesday. “We talk everyday, we text or on the phone everyday. We communicate with each other a lot. He has a lot of energy, I really love him. He’s a great coach and being able to meet him was great.”

Robinson talked to Hooper about how the Gators see the linebacker fitting into the defensive scheme if he chooses the Orange and Blue.

“He said I could fit and that I would be a good fit for what they’re trying to do,” he said of Robinson’s message on him fitting into the defense. “He likes me at the money position in their defense.”

Head coach Dan Mullen also spoke at length with Hooper about why the 2019 class is an important class.

“He was just letting me know that I’m wanted there and that I can come be family there,” Hooper said of Mullen’s message to him. “He was telling me how my recruiting class is going to help change things and get them back where they need to be.”

Hooper had never met Mullen until Wednesday but after meeting him, he had high praise for Mullen and his defensive coordinator.

“I love his defense and his energy,” he said of his impressions on Hooper. “I love Coach [Todd] Grantham to. He and Coach Mullen are great. I like how the program operates.”

Heading into the visit Hooper was high on the Gators but Florida even increased those thoughts from the linebacker.

“Definitely helped them, they’re definitely one of my favorite schools,” Hooper said of Florida. “I definitely want to go back soon but I don’t really have any leaders.”

Now that Hooper has visited a few schools, he’s looking into making a decision within the coming months.

“I want to commit soon, probably before spring practice or if not during the summer,” he said on when he wants to commit.

INSIDERS TAKE: Florida really helped itself with Hooper on Wednesday and the Gators are a legit contender to land the linebacker. Hooper also says he wants to visit Florida again but right now he doesn’t have any other visits planned.

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.

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