Florida Gators: Pellage has a tough decision ahead

There is no hiding the fact that the Florida Gators need offensive lineman in this class because they will go through spring ball with just seven scholarship linemen on the roster.

This past weekend Florida played host to South Carolina offensive line commit Christian Pellage (6-6, 292, Brooksville, FL Nature Coast) who enjoyed his time in Gainesville with his parents.

“It was a good visit,” Pellage said. “It was good meeting the new staff and seeing all of the energy that they have among them. I also got to know the other players on the team and the other commits and that was great.”

Pellage has a good relationship with offensive line coach Mike Summers and that relationship only got better this weekend as Summers explained the huge need for Pellage at Florida.

“Coach Summers said with the lack of offensive linemen, he said they really need me and I have the ability to play early at Florida,” Pellage said. “It was good to hear that from him. I’ve always thought of Coach Summers as a great coach and a great person. He has great plans for the offensive line.”

Head coach Jim McElwain has made Pellage a priority since the day he was hired as he visited Pellage first among all linemen but this was the first time for Pellage to get to see him in a normal setting.

“He’s awesome, a very straight forward guy and he can be funny,” Pellage said. “I am impressed with his coaching background and I think he has a good plan. He was telling me the same thing as Coach Summers was as far as playing time goes.”

The South Carolina commit had his parents with him this weekend and they enjoyed the visit but the small things were what impressed them the most.

“My parents really enjoyed it and they liked meeting the other parents on the trip,” Pellage said. “My favorite part of the trip though was probably just hanging out with the coaches and players. I also liked visiting with the academics [advisors].”

Pellage who has been committed to South Carolina for months now says that he has a tough decision to make in the coming weeks.

“I am still committed to South Carolina,” Pellage said. “After my official to South Carolina, I will reevaluate the two visits and make sure I’m making the best choice for myself.”

INSIDERS TAKE: Pellage truly likes South Carolina and I believe that but I think the instate school showing him early playing time is something that he has to consider. One thing I know is that Pellage will do his homework after the two visits and make the best decision. I think Florida has done all that they can in trying to get back in the mix here.