ORLANDO — The Florida Gators recruiting board is slammed full with big time prospects at the receiver position and several of them are planning on visiting Florida next month.
One of those receivers visiting Florida will be Houston commit Tyrie Cleveland (6-3, 180, Houston, TX Westfield), who has two official visits set up for next month.
“I’m going out to Florida for an official on January 29th,” Cleveland said. “I’m going to TCU on January 15th and I have one more weekend to take an official visit and I’m deciding between Texas A&M, Houston and Arkansas for that visit.”
This past summer Cleveland had a lot of interest in Florida, and even visited the Gators, but this fall his interest declined some but. He says that things are getting stronger now and he has always liked Florida.
“I built a better relationship with Florida and I started liking them more,” he said. “Just playing in the SEC would be a great opportunity to help me at the next level, so it was just those things that got Florida in the mix, plus Florida is a great program that is moving in the right direction. I’ve always liked Florida and to have the opportunity to play for them with a full ride is a blessing.”
Receivers coach Kerry Dixon is leading the Florida Gators recruiting efforts for Cleveland and he has a few messages for the Houston commit.
“Coach Dixon just tells me that I can come in and be an impact player for Florida,” Cleveland said. “He said that I can make a lot of plays for them and stretch the field deep in their offense. Coach Dixon tells me that I can play early next year because the outside receiver position is wide open.”
Not only is Dixon recruiting Cleveland, but Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain is also recruiting the receiver.
“I talk to Coach McElwain a lot on Twitter,” he said. “He tells me that he wants me to come give them a chance and let them recruit me hard. He says that I can come in and be a big impact player for the team and that I can open up the offense for them.”
One thing that has Cleveland’s attention is the Florida Gators new quarterback signee Feleipe Franks, as the two played together at the Opening in Oregon.
“I know that Feleipe has a great arm,” Cleveland said on Franks. “He’s a great guy and smart on making reads. The chance to play with him at the next level would be great.”
Despite committing to Houston in December Cleveland says he will make a final decision on National Signing Day in February.
“My final decision will be on National Signing Day,” he said. “I’m still committed to Houston right now but I’ll make my final decision on signing day.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Cleveland has a lot of interest in Florida and from talking to people it sounds like it could come down to Florida and Houston, with TCU running third. Florida getting the last visit is huge for the Florida Gators recruiting efforts.
Follow fellow Texan Kyle Trask to Gainesvill. He would fit Coach Nuss’ O great.