RECRUITING: Reed excited about UF visit

Three weeks ago, “The Swamp” left a lasting impression on Panama City Bay star athlete Bert Reed. This weekend Reed will step onto a college campus for the first time without a camp or football game to attend.

“I go for my visit (to Florida) this weekend,” Reed said, “I’m really excited. I don’t know what to anticipate. I don’t know what we’ll be doing. It’s all just kind of out of the blue, right now. I don’t know who will be helping me out and showing me around. I’m just looking forward to it. Really, I’ve never been to a college campus, so it will all be new for me. It’ll be the first time and I’ll be looking forward to it. I’m not exactly sure what I want to major in yet, maybe public relations or something”.

“I’ve got a basketball game (against Tallahassee Rickards) on Friday night, so we’ll be coming down there late Friday night and leaving Sunday. My Mom is not able to go, but I think that I’m going to take my older brother, Andre. He’s two years older than me. He actually was a quarterback and basketball in high school. He played basketball at Enterprise Junior College.”

He was in attendance sitting next to DeMarcus Van Dyke when the Gators whipped Western Carolina 62-0. The pair talked during the game and Reed said that he knew Van Dyke would give his verbal to Florida.

“The only other recruit that I talk to is DeMarcus,” he said. “I don’t get to talk to him very often though. We sat together at the (Florida) game. I haven’t met that many people. I’m not sure if they know who I am or whatever.”

Division I coaches know plenty about Bert Reed..

In fact, it was just about two months ago when Reed provided his verbal to the Florida coaches. He reaffirmed that he is still committed to the Gators. However, he has told the Florida State coaches that he’ll take an official to the Tallahassee campus next month.

“I like Coach (Mickey) Andrews,” Reed added. “I can play wherever I want at Florida State. I think that he (Mickey Andrews) would like to have me on the defense. He’s just trying to get me to come to Florida State. I’m going to visit on January 12th. I’m not going to visit any other schools though. Alabama was recruiting me pretty hard, but I haven’t heard from them since Coach (Mike) Shula was fired.”

Reed has been busy playing basketball for the Tornadoes, but caught the game between the in-state rivals.

“I didn’t get to watch the Arkansas game,” he stated. “We had a basketball game that night. I liked what I saw of the Florida game. I like the way the way the coaches utilize their players. I think they could have played much better though. But, I’m not surprised they’re in the national championship game. I’m really happy. I think they’re the next best team. I think they’re going to show people something.”

This weekend coach Urban Meyer and staff are certain to show Reed plenty. Reed seemed especially interested in seeing the academic side of the University of Florida. We’ll see if it is enough to take a 99% commitment to 100% percent and eliminating a trip to Leon County.