Several things have Culpepper interested in UF: Florida Gators recruiting

The Florida Gators recruiting class of 2017 only signed one tight end after wanting two so the Gators are focusing on that position in 2018.

Tight end Judge Culpepper (6-4, 236, Tampa, FL. Plant) is one of the top guys in the country at his position and on Saturday he visited the Gators.

“It was great getting up there and great seeing the coaches again,” Culpepper said on Saturday’s visit. “ I have a great relationship with most of the coaches there. It was just great to get up there and see it again. I got to sit down and meet with the coaches, we toured the facilities again which I have seen, and then we went to the basketball game and that was it.”

Culpepper also plays defensive end at Plant so some schools are recruiting him on defense but the Gators are leaving both options open.

“They are still fighting over what side of the ball I play on between defensive end and tight end,” he said on where Florida wants him. “It doesn’t matter to me what side of the ball I play on. Whatever way will help me and help the team, and gets me on the field quickest.”

Saturday was the third time for Culpepper to visit Florida since last summer and he explained why he continues to visit Gainesville.

“It’s a multitude of things really,” Culpepper said on what he likes about Florida. “I love the staff a lot and I think the facilities are top notch at Florida. They’re a program on the rise so I am a big fan. I think Coach Mac has revitalized the program a lot from what it was under previous years. I think he will continue to do a great job.”

Despite his father Brad Culpepper playing at Florida, the younger Culpepper doesn’t have a leader but does hold the Gators high on his list.

“I haven’t really developed a sophisticated list of top schools,” he said when asked if he has a leader. “I know in my head who I am looking at right now and I am not 100-percent sure when I will make a decision. A lot of these schools are up there, and Florida is definitely up there.”

One good thing for the Gators and other schools is that Culpepper wants to make an early decision so schools where know where they stand with the tight end.

“I think I am going to try to make my decision before my senior season because I am graduating early,” Culpepper said when asked when he wants to decide. “The earlier I commit the easier I can see the transition being.”

Saturday won’t be the only time for Culpepper to visit Gainesville this spring as he’s already thinking about another visit, plus visits, to other schools.

“I am going to try to make it to LSU, Alabama, Penn State, Nebraska, UNC, and Syracuse,” he said on who he wants to visit this summer. “I probably will be back at Florida for a spring practice, it would be nice to see one of those.”

 

INSIDERS TAKE: Florida is very high on Culpepper and he’s a guy that could very easily play tight end or defensive end in college. He’s a talented guy on both sides of the ball.

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.