Now that National Signing Day 2014 has come and gone, Florida’s coaching staff has begun focusing on 2015. Last week the Gators offered defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie (6-3, 316, Concord, CA De La Salle) after he spoke to two of Florida coaches.
“I wasn’t able to talk with Coach (Will) Muschamp last week because he was busy,” McKenzie said. “But I did get to speak with Coach (Brian) White and Coach (Brad) Lawing and they were just talking about how they thought I fit into what they’re trying to do at Florida very well and that they wanted to offer me a full scholarship to Florida.”
McKenzie liked what he heard about how he would fit in to Florida’s defense. He’s already a big fan of the way the Gators defend in the rugged Southeastern Conference.
“I like the defense a lot; I like how they run the 3-4 and the 4-3,” McKenzie said. “They play real fast and aggressive and they usually have one of the top defenses in the SEC and in the country. They also rotate a lot of guys in on the defensive line to keep them fresh.”
Because he’s from California, McKenzie doesn’t get to watch many Florida games but he is in the process of learning more about the Gators.
“I don’t know too much about Florida yet,” McKenzie said. “I just started researching them but I have watched a few games and I like how they play in the trenches and play very physical. They have put a lot of linemen into the NFL lately and that’s my dream.”
McKenzie will get his first chance to see Gainesville on March 22nd when he visits the Gators for a spring practice where he hopes to learn more about the program and campus.
Despite taking a lot of visits this spring McKenzie says he’s in no rush to make a decision but he does know what he’s looking for out of a college.
“Distance isn’t a big thing for me I like the idea of being far away,” McKenzie said. “I’m looking for good academics of course and also the city the college is in and are they really passionate about their football.”