Florida hosted spring practice No. 4 on Monday afternoon and had one of their big receiver targets on hand to watch.
That prospect was receiver John Burt (6-4, 175, Tallahassee, FL Lincoln) who enjoyed his time in Gainesville as he got an opportunity to tour campus.
“It went pretty good,” Burt said. “I got to take a look around campus and see the facilities and got to watch them practice for a little bit after that. It was a pretty good day.”
Like all offensive prospects who have come on campus this spring, Burt wanted to meet with offensive coordinator Kurt Roper to hear about his plans for the Gators offense next season.
“I got to talk to Coach [Roper] a little about some of the things that he was planning on running in his offense next year,” Burt said. “He says that they are going to be a lot more up-tempo this year and that they are going to run a lot of different formations in order to get their playmakers the ball more.”
Besides meeting and talking with Roper, the highlight of the trip for Burt was the opportunity to see receivers Coach Joker Phillips in action on the field.
“I’ve talked to Coach Phillips a lot but I was able to talk with him a little more and see him coach on the field,” Burt said. “He’s a pretty cool guy and he’s a real good coach. He has a lot of intensity and pays close attention to detail. His biggest thing is running routes correctly and giving effort.”
Following his meeting with Roper and Phillips the Tallahassee receiver feels like he understands what the Gators offense will look like this year.
“The offense can do a lot of different things this year and they have a lot of playmakers,” Burt said. “As long as they stay healthy they should be real good. They look like they are going to be more spread but also still a running team by spreading the defense out to create more running room which should open up the passing game.”
Like all visitors who come through Gainesville, Burt ended his trip by meeting with Will Muschamp who told the receiver he was needed in Gainesville.
“Coach Muschamp was telling me that he likes how I play and how I carry myself,” Burt said. “He said that I’m the kind of guy that they want in the program because of my character.”
Burt has taken several visits over the last few months to Alabama, Auburn, Texas and now to Florida and says that he should be able to narrow down his list soon.
“All of the top schools are going to have good facilities and good coaches so it’s really about where I feel the most comfortable at,” Burt said. “I felt at home at Florida and I could see myself playing there but I’ve liked all of the places I have visited so far. In the next couple of weeks I should have a legit top 4 or top 5.”
Next up Burt will visit his hometown team the Florida State Seminoles before taking a break until summer time where he will once again hit the road for visits.
“I plan to visit Texas again and FSU for a spring practice,” Burt said. “I will visit Florida again for Friday Night Lights and for a game next fall.”