Collins trying to pull a Mississippi linebacker

A coach can be a great recruiter but sometimes can be handcuffed by the letters on his chest and the university he represents.

Roquan Smith said he had previously spoken with Geoff Collins when he was at Mississippi State but that Collins knew quickly that Smith wasn’t interested in that university.

It was a different story for Collins with Mississippi linebacker commit Leo Lewis. Lewis committed to the instate Rebels but Collins did have time to build a strong bond with the talented linebacker.

“We have a great relationship. I can honestly see myself playing for him,” Lewis said. “The defense he runs fits me. All of the aspects of him, it’s all very positive.”

Getting an opportunity to play early is important to Lewis, who wants to be able to make an impact as a freshman. That was a big part of the pitch that Collins gave Lewis while at Mississippi State and now that Collins is at Florida it continues to be the pitch with the Gators desperate need for linebackers.

“He’s always telling me that I was his guy, that I could come in and make an immediate impact as a true freshman,” Lewis said. “Just contribute to the team right away.”

Lewis visited Starkville and met with Collins last season. He noticed the coaches’ “swag chalice” and thinks it’s all apart of Collins attitude and demeanor.

“That was pretty cool. He’s an interesting guy. Real, real interesting guy. He’s a very outgoing guy, easy to get along with, he knows how to talk to people. He knows how to communicate so well.”

The Gators have already offered Lewis a scholarship but prior to Collins’ arrival he didn’t really consider Florida all too much. “I’m thinking about it,” Lewis said about possibly making a trip to Gainesville to visit Collins. He asked me would I take a visit and I’m still considering it.”

Distance is not a final determining factor in Lewis’ decision but he doesn’t want to move too far away from home. Lewis says Gainesville isn’t too far away and he will consider using one of his two last official visits in Gainesville.

“I have two more left. I have three scheduled,” he said. “I’ll be visiting Mississippi State January 16, Ole miss the 23rd and LSU the 30th.”