Saturday was a huge success for the Florida Gators and that included getting cornerback Chauncey Gardner (5-11, 190, Cocoa, FL High) to recommit to Florida after decommitting from the Gators in December.
Gardner finally had the chance to meet the new coaching staff on Saturday and it was the importance that they placed on education that got Gardner back in the class.
“My parents are finally involved with my process and we all felt like Florida was better for me academic wise and for life,” Gardner said. “We are looking ahead to the future and Florida is a place where I can see the support at every game because it’s close to home.”
There was a buzz around that Gardner could commit to Florida on Saturday but when he did the excitement level picked up in the coaches offices.
“It was crazy in there when I committed,” Gardner said. “We all were excited and it was a very happy environment when I told them that I was committing. Coach [Jim] McElwain was real happy.”
Gardner was real close to the previous staff but the new coaching staff has really impressed the cornerback and brought a new energy that was noticeable to Gardner on Saturday.
“The new staff is a great staff and everything is going up with the team,” Gardner said. “The message from the staff has just been that we are going to be great and that they care about you. They really answered all of my questions about the education side of things.”
Cornerbacks coach Kirk Callahan is one of the youngest coaches on staff at Florida and he built a quick relationship with the talented corner.
“He played a big role in my commitment because we build a bond quick,” Gardner said. “My parents and him are real close and we talk about every day. He always says that we can do big and great things together.”
After already decommitting from Florida once there were some question as to how committed Gardner really is, but he says that there is no wavering this time.
“I’m a solid Gator commit so I don’t have any visits planned,” Gardner said. “I’m going to start recruiting big time because this class is important. Spencer Perry is my top target.”
INSIDERS TAKE: I believe that Gardner sticks to Florida this time unless something bad happens on the field this year for the Gators. Gardner could be a big contributor for this class in terms of recruiting others.
Good work Spivey.