The Florida Gators started their summer off on a high note when they picked up a big commitment on Thursday morning.
Athlete Amari Burney (6-1, 215, Clearwater, FL. Calvary Christian) announced his commitment to Florida on Thursday at his school when he picked the Gators over Ohio State and Virginia Tech.
Burney spoke to GatorCountry.com about why he picked the Gators over the Buckeyes and Hokies.
“The family feeling, my parents have a great relationship with Coach [Doug] Nussmeier and Coach Mac,” Burney said on why he committed to Florida. “I have a great relationship with them and they communicate with me everyday. They give me the best opportunity at the next level.”
Florida has been recruiting Burney since his 10th grade year and unlike most schools, the Gators want him to play wherever he wants.
“It’s a great feeling, that shows me that see me as an athlete and not just one side of the ball,” he said on where Florida wants him. “They just want me to come in and compete and pick a side of the ball that I like.”
Offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier has been the main recruiter for Burney and has been delivering the same message for the last few years.
“Coach Nussmeier has told me since day one that he wants me whether I play safety or receiver he doesn’t care,” Burney said of the coach he talks to the most. “He just wants me at Florida and he wants me to come in and compete for a starting position.”
Burney said that while he announced his decision on Thursday that he has had his decision in mind for a few days now.
“I made my decision about a week ago,” he said on when he made up his mind. “I sat down with my parents and seen what the schools had to say to both of us. It’s mainly my decision but my parents wanted to hear from them and weigh out the pros and cons for each school.”
Unlike a lot of prospects that commit but keep their options open, Burney doesn’t see that plan being in his future.
“This will be final decision,” Burney said. “I’m going to visit Florida this summer and help start recruiting for them.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Burney is likely to play safety in college and he’s a very good athlete that will succeed at the position. Burney will be a big asset to Florida both on and off the field.