Florida and Carolina battling for OL

Gainesville is going to be full of top prospects on Friday as the Gators host Friday Night Lights in the Swamp.

On Saturday offensive lineman Brandon Sandifer (6-3, 332, Warner Robins, GA Northside School) informed Gator Country that he would be one of those prospects in attendance.

Sandifer, who visited Florida in June for one of Will Muschamp’s camp, enjoyed what the Gators had to offer and the opportunity he had to meet everyone.

“It was a good time down there,” Sandifer said. “I really enjoyed myself at Florida and getting the chance to meet everyone. I got to meet the players and also the coaching staff.”

Ever since Sandifer visited Florida in June the Gators have turned up the heat on him including three coaches talking to him weekly.

“I talk to Coach [Brian] White, Coach [Mike] Summers and Coach Muschamp mostly,” Sandifer said. “I probably talk to them like twice a week or sometimes more. Their main message to me is that they want me really bad and that they want me to be a guard at Florida.”

Florida’s offense hasn’t been something that intrigues prospects in the past but Sandifer believes that will change and that’s something he likes.

“I like Coach [Kurt] Roper’s style of offense he plans on running,” Sandifer said. “I like the way he uses an up-tempo style of offense and I like the way he takes of his players down there.”

Despite the amount of contact that Florida has with Sandifer the Gators are still in a close battle with two other teams as the offensive lineman looks to commit soon.

“South Carolina and Georgia Tech talk to me the most besides Florida,” Sandifer said. “Those three schools are the main ones and I might commit pretty soon. I’m thinking about deciding on Saturday actually.”

 

INSIDER TAKE: One source tells me that Florida has a good shot but two others told me that Sandifer has plans to go to South Carolina on Saturday after he visits Florida. If Sandifer does plan on committing this Saturday, and what he told me about visiting the Gamecocks is true, the writing is on the wall. However, Will Muschamp and his staff will have the opportunity to sway that visit and keep him from going to Columbia on Saturday, which could lead to a commitment. One thing is for sure, Sandifer is a prospect to watch very close this week.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.