Florida Gator Recruiting News-2016 quarterback Brandon McIlwain (6-0, 205, Newtown, PA. Council Rock North) is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2016 and on Tuesday he announced his top six schools.
The six schools that made the cut for McIlwain were Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Duke, Auburn, Penn State and the Florida Gators– in no particular order– and the quarterback talked to Gator Country about why he decided to go ahead and make a cut in his recruitment.
“I wanted to go ahead and get it out of the way before the season started,” McIlwain said. “I want to be able to focus on my season and be able to help my team win this season.”
McIlwain had talked about making a decision next spring but he says that the decision come could earlier now.
“I plan on deciding sometime after the season,” McIlwain said. “I’m going to visit a game for each of those six schools this fall and then I’m going to make my decision when I feel it’s right.”
Florida was able to make the passer’s cut based on the relationship that McIlwain was able to build with Florida’s new offensive coordinator.
“I have a great relationship with Coach [Kurt] Roper at Florida,” McIlwain said. “He’s a great coach and a great quarterback coach and offensive mind. The feeling I got when I was down there for my visit was great. Florida seems like a great fit for me.”
Florida is moving to the spread offense this year and that’s an offense that McIlwain feels comfortable in.
“Coach Roper’s offense is very similar to the offense we run at my school now,”McIlwain said. “I could really see myself fitting into that style of offense. I feel Coach Roper can use my passing and running abilities to the max.”
Not only is McIlwain close to offensive coordinator Kurt Roper but he’s also close to and likes Will Muschamp and his style of coaching.
“I’ve talked to Coach Muschamp several times and I’ve been keeping up with him,” McIlwain said. “I feel like I have a good relationship with him and he’s again a great coach and someone that has proven it over the years. I’m excited to see how he does this season down there.”
INSIDER TAKE: South Carolina is the presumed leader here, because he has family connections to the school, but McIlwain has liked Roper and his background for several years now and that could help the Florida Gators. Of course, a good showing on offense will be big for any offensive players the Gators are recruiting.