Offensive lineman Richard Gouraige (6-5, 271, Tampa, FL. Cambridge) made news on Friday when he committed to the Florida Gators over Clemson.
Gouraige spoke to GatorCountry about why he decided to commit on Friday to the Gators.
“It was great,” Gouraige said of the feeling when he committed. “ I felt like it was a great time to commit for me and my family. I love the University of Florida itself.”
Clemson and Florida had been battling it out for Gouraige’s commitment but he said the key was distance and the Gators assistant coach who was recruiting him.
“It’s close enough for my family to come watch me play,” he said on why Florida was the right choice. “And I love the way Coach [Brad] Davis teaches his guys and cares for them. It was a great overall fit for me and the family.”
Florida offensive line coach Brad Davis has been explaining to Gouraige the big need for linemen at Florida and how the Gators can use him in Gainesville.
“He was saying that he really needs help in the offensive line and I can be the guy who can help the team,” Gouraige said of Davis’ message to him. They see me fitting in at offensive tackle to protect the quarterback’s blind side.”
When Davis took the job in Gainesville, the Gators were not really a big option for Gouraige but the relationship he made with the lineman’s family changed things.
“He kept it real with me and my mom throughout this process,” he said of his relationship with Davis off the field. “And he really took the time to get to know me and my mom and my family.”
Head coach Jim McElwain was also a big part in Gouraige’s commitment and the lineman explained his relationship with McElwain.
“Love Coach Mac he’s an awesome guy on and off the field,” Gouraige said. “He was excited when I committed.”
Gouraige doesn’t plan to early enroll and he’s not sure of any other trips in the future.
“Not sure yet, letting God plan that out,” he said on if he will visit anywhere else.
INSIDERS TAKE: Gouraige is very solid to Florida and Brad Davis is to think for that and his commitment to the Gators. Gouraige and his mom really like Davis and the distance from home is also something that helped Florida out.