Florida hosted one of the hottest prospects in the country in the 2015 class on Tuesday to watch the Gators practice.
That prospect was 2015 Richmond (Va.) St. Christopher’s linebacker Ricky Deberry, who received good news during the visit.
“I picked up a Florida offer,” Deberry said. “God is good.”
The 6-foot-2, 237-pound DeBerry picked up his Florida offer from the Gators’ head coach.
“I’m real excited,” Deberry said. “Coach (Will) Muschamp was like, “we love your film and now seeing you in person, you are someone we want here. You definitely have an offer and an opportunity to play at the University of Florida.””
When the 2015 Virginia prospect received that news from Will Muschamp he was left without words.
“I was speechless,” Deberry said. “ The University of Florida is a well-respected program in the country and around the world, both academically and athletically. They win national championships in every sport and conference championships too. I was very blessed and fortunate to receive the offer.
DeBerry got to meet all of the coaches and support staff, but meeting strength and condition coach Jeff Dillman was a highlight.
“It was a good tour,” DeBerry said. “ I liked the strength coach. He was fired up about everything and he loves what he does, he doesn’t do it for the money, he just wants to help the athletes be the best they can and help them succeed.”
After meeting with Jeff Dillman, Deberry was taken up to the coaches offices where he was able to meet Brad Lawing and Will Muschamp.
“They both made a good impression,” Deberry said. “They impressed me and my parents. Being from Virginia, all you hear is that Florida only plays guys from Florida but that’s not the case, 7 of their starters from last year were out of state players. If you work hard, you will be able to play at the University of Florida.”
Deberry said that Florida talked to him about playing all of the linebacker positions but in particular, the BUCK position.
DeBerry says he will be back in Gainesville this fall to visit for a football game.