New defensive backs coach Torrian Gray is searching all over the country for prospects to fill the Florida Gators recruiting class of 2017 and he went into California on Tuesday night.
Cornerback Elijah Blades (6-3, 170, Pasadena, CA Muir) was the prospect that Gray offered from California and the Gators are impressed by the cornerback’s abilities.
“Coach Gray offered me a scholarship last night [Tuesday],” Blades said. “He said he liked my size and liked how I turned my hips, he likes my forty yard time. He just really wants me so he threw the offer out to me.”
When Gray offered Blades a scholarship on Tuesday night, the coach made sure to let the cornerback know that he would be a great fit in Gainesville.
“He said I could fit in good there because they don’t have any really tall cornerbacks there,” he said. “He said that me running a 4.4 in high school is crazy and that he likes my game a lot. He thinks that I can get better and fit into the defense early there.”
Florida hasn’t had a lot of success in California lately but Blades may be a different story, as he has legitimate interest in the Gators.
“Florida is my dream school, I like everything about them,” Blades said. “I like the coaches, the defensive backs and just everything. Florida is DBU and I’ve watching them since I was little. They have a good crowd and I like when they play Florida State. I really want to go to that game.”
Not only are the Gators his dream school, but Blades also has a lot of respect and knowledge of Gray’s coaching background and success with the NFL players.
“I know that Coach Gray came from Virginia Tech and is a great coach,” he said. “I know he coached Kendall Fuller at Virginia Tech and they had a little DBU there so he knows what he’s doing with cornerbacks.”
Blades says that distance isn’t a factor and he even plans to visit Gainesville soon with his family.
“I’m going to be coming out there for a visit,” Blades said. “I have to talk to my parents about when we will get out there for a visit though. I may be able to visit this summer and if not then I’ll be out there this fall.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Florida was a big offer for Blades and the California prospect seems to have a good bit of interest in the Gators. The Gators now have to try and get him on campus this spring or summer for a visit.