Will Muschamp and his staff are desperately looking to add depth at the defensive tackle position for the Class of 2014.
On Thursday, the Gators offered Covington (La.) High defensive tackle Garrald McDowell, who was happy to receive the offer.
“I think it’s a great offer from Florida,” McDowell said. “The Gators are a good team in the SEC and they’re always one of the tops in the SEC and have great coaches. So yeah, I would think that’s a great offer to get.”
The 6-foot-3, 257-pound McDowell received the offer from Louisiana-native, coach Derek Lewis of Florida.
“I called coach Lewis and he offered me,” McDowell said. “At first, he said that we really want you be a Florida Gator. Then he said that we really like your film and the toughness you show and play with. He said that my pursuit to the ball was good and was what they were looking for at Florida.”
The Gators have been known for their defense for many years and Will Muschamp has continued to make that side of the ball a strong suit for Florida; McDowell has taken notice.
“I really like Florida’s defense,” McDowell said. “I like their defensive schemes against teams they play each week. They change it up every week so the opponent won’t understand or recognize their defense. I think I will fit into that well at either defensive tackle or end or whatever they want me at.”
McDowell says he plans to visit the Gators this summer and right now is open to all schools. Distance isn’t a concern for McDowell.