Head coach Jim McElwain and the Florida Gators are behind in the class of 2016 but they are eager to get a head start on evaluating the class of 2017.
Last week the Gators handed out a big offer to a 2017 prospect in offensive lineman Tony Gray (6-5, 265, Lawrenceville, GA Central Gwinnett) who learned of the offer from his coach.
“Florida called my coach last week and told him that they were offering me a scholarship,” Gray said. “I’m not sure which coach it was [that offered] because they called my coach. I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to Florida yet but I plan too soon.”
Gray has five scholarship offers and they are all from the SEC. The 2017 offensive linemen isn’t taking any of the scholarship offers he has received for granted.
“With me knowing about Florida so much, it made me feel good to know that they were interested in me,” Gray said. “I have been through a lot my last few years in high school and I just know that God is looking out for me and I’m thankful for the Florida offer.”
The Georgia prospect hasn’t had the opportunity yet to speak to Florida, but he plans to meet everyone at the Gators Orange and Blue game, where he also hopes to learn more about the University of Florida.
“I will definitely be looking into Florida more now that have offered me,” Gray said. “I plan to go down there next weekend for the spring game and I’m hoping to learn more about the academics and see what they can offer me outside of football.”
Offensive line coach Mike Summers loves having versatile linemen that can play multiple positions and, according to Gray, he fits that bill.
“I know that Florida offered me as a left tackle and that they need linemen,” Gray said. “I honestly can play offensive or defensive line but my primary position is left tackle so I’m glad that Florida offered me there.”
With still over a year to go until Gray has to make a decision the lineman says that he’s waiting to see what happens in his recruitment next before making any kind of decision.
“I’m pretty open to all schools right now,” Gray said. “I’m looking hard at all of my offers right now and I plan to do my research on everyone and see who has the best academic plan for me.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Gray is truly open in his recruitment and he’s looking hard at academics so a good showing from Florida next weekend could go a long ways to helping Florida out for the big offensive tackle.