Mukuamu high on the Florida Gators after his visit

It has already been a busy summer for the Florida Gators coaching staff as they’ve hosted a lot of prospects on campus for camps and unofficial visits.

Last Thursday the Gators hosted safety Israel Mukuamu (6-4, 187, Boosier City, LA. Parkway) and he received an offer while on campus after he spoke with the coaching staff.

“Coach [Randy] Shannon the defensive coordinator did while I was visiting,” Mukuamu said. “He told me that he loves the way I play and that he loves my size, ability and the kind of person I am.”

Mukuamu has double digit offers already but he admits that an offer from Florida was one that he wanted.

“It means a lot to me,” he said of what the offer means to him. “Florida puts a lot of defensive backs in the league and it’s DBU. They have been one of the best college teams as I was growing up. They’re still are but it’s just a blessing to say that I can potential go there.”

After Shannon offered Mukuamu on Thursday, the defensive coordinator explained why the Gators need him in Gainesville.

“He said they have a big need at my position,” Mukuamu said of what Shannon told him. “He told me that they’re looking for players to come in ready to play because they’re losing a lot of defensive backs and he thinks I can play early.”

Shannon wasn’t the only coach that the safety spoke to, as Mukuamu spoke to head coach Jim McElwain himself.

“I also talked to Coach [Corey] Bell which is the defensive backs coach and Coach McElwain, the head man,” he said on the other coaches he spoke to while on campus. “Their messages were both similar. They told me obliviously want me there and want me to take my time. They said committing is no pressure and they’re not pressuring me.”

Thursday was the first time for Mukuamu to spend time with the Gators coaching staff but he admits the bond is growing.

“Our relationship is really close,” Mukuamu said on his relationship with Florida. “I like them a lot and they’re going to be make a big part in my decision.”

The visit to Gainesville last week really impressed the Louisiana safety and one thing really caught his eye.

“I visited them on Thursday,” he said. “The visit was awesome and they campus was amazing. The best part is that they’re building a new football facility and that’s going to be really nice. I loved the staff and they’re outgoing guys.”

After his summer visits, Mukuamu hopes to have a better idea on where he wants to go too but he admits a few schools are after him harder than others.

“No leaders but Florida is definitely a top school,” Mukuamu said when asked if he has a leader. “I want to decide by the end of the summer. Florida, Oklahoma State, Florida State and Indiana are all recruiting me the hardest.”

 

INSIDERS TAKE: Mukuamu is one of the top safeties in the country this year and is very high on Florida. Mukuamu really liked his time on campus and is very high on the Gators’ coaching staff.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.