LAKE BUENA VISTA — There haven’t been many good surprises for Florida in this recruiting cycle but the Gators could see one happen on Thursday.
Most have felt that defensive end Gerald Willis III (6-4, 247, New Orleans, LA Edna Karr) was headed to LSU. However, according to Willis, his older brother Landon Collins set a good example for him by leaving the state of New Orleans and advised him to pick the best school for him, no matter the location.
“Landon’s recruitment helped me a lot,” Willis said. “He let me follow in his footsteps but it helped me and set a good example for me. He set an example by leaving the state and he set a good example for me to not be scared about leaving the state but to pick the best school for me.”
There had been some talk in Orlando for the Under Armour game that Willis’ mother didn’t like Will Muschamp but Willis says that’s not the case at all.
“My mom loves coach (Will) Muschamp,” Willis said. “When I went on my official visit she really liked coach Muschamp. She talked to him a lot at his house the night we had dinner there.”
Many remember the drama that was started by Landon Collins going out of state because Collins and Willis’ mother didn’t like it and was visibly upset two years ago when Collins chose Alabama over LSU, but Willis says that wouldn’t happen again.
“My mom is use to her kids going out of state so she’s ok with that,” Willis said. “With Landon she wanted her oldest to stay home but she’s ok with it.”
This week at the Under Armour All-American game Willis has been one of the top performers and he believes that he’s done well.
“I think I have performed really well,” Willis said. “The talent out here is crazy it’s a different speed and different pace really. I went up against big Cam [Robinson]. Cam and I usually go at it and I like going up against him because he’s good.”