Dan Mullen and the Florida Gators are about to start spring practice but the Gators are also in the middle of recruiting for the 2019 class.
One of the big positions the Gators are recruiting is the quarterback position and quarterback Garrett Shrader (6-4, 200, Charlotte, NC. Christian) is a guy that is on the board for Florida.
“I’ve been talking to Florida,” Shrader said. “I talk to Coach [Brian] Johnson mainly and Coach [Dan] Mullen every now and then. I was speaking with Coach Mullen while he was still at Mississippi State too.”
Shrader has spoken with Mullen several times and the Gators head coach has explained what he likes about the quarterback.
“He said he likes my film,” he said of what Mullen says to him. “He said he’s really excited about me and wants to get me down there. I probably talk to Coach Johnson more than Coach Mullen but I talk with both.”
Quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson has also explained what he likes about Shrader and why the Gators need someone like him in Gainesville.
“Same message as what Coach Mullen says, he’s excited about me and liked my film,” Shrader said of Johnson’s message to him. “He said I would be a great fit and there is a big need for a leader at quarterback at Florida.”
Shrader has done his research on Mullen and his history with quarterbacks and that’s something that has caught the quarterback’s attention.
“He’s a great developer of quarterbacks,” he said of Mullen. “He loves the quarterback run and that’s very intriguing to me. I want to compete early and I love the spread run game.”
With colleges starting spring practices around the country, Shrader is planning several visits.
“I have planned to visit West Virginia, Penn State and Mississippi State,” Shrader said of visits. “I just visited South Carolina last week and I will attend their spring game. I would like to get to Florida. I went to camp there two years ago.”
Shrader has a long time before he has to make a decision but the quarterback wants to make an early one so he can help his future school recruit.
“I want to make a decision by June,” he said. “All is open now but I want to make a decision and help recruit the class. I also plan to graduate in December to enroll in January wherever I choose.”
INSIDERS TAKE: South Carolina seems to be the school with the most buzz about them but a visit to Florida could get the Gators in the mix for Shrader. Mississippi State was a school he was high on when Mullen was there.