Gator Country

Richmond, Va. (Hermitage HS) linebacker Curtis Grant participates in walk-throughs during the second day of practice for the U.S Army All-American Bowl on Tuesday at Gustafson Stadium at the Hardin Athletic Complex in San Antonio. / Gator Country photo by Tim Casey

SAN ANTONIO — A rainy sky loomed over the second day of practices for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but the East squad was still able to get in their scheduled workouts. The game will be televised on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on NBC.

Prized four-star linebacker Curtis Grant (6-3/225, Richmond, Va./ Hermitage HS) didn’t really get a chance to display his hard-hitting and physical style of play because the East team did not practice in full pads Tuesday afternoon. Grant still thinks he has played well so far.

“I’m doing pretty good out here,” Grant said. “Since everyone is so good out here we have to split up playing time. It’s hard to get in to a rhythm. We are having a good time though.”

Up until now, Grant hasn’t been very forthcoming with recruiting updates, but took a moment after Tuesday’s practice to give an update on where he stands.

“I guess I can release that now, my final four is Ohio State, Florida, North Carolina and Virgina,” Grant said.

“I just like the location of those schools and the coaching staff at each of those schools.”

Grant recently got back from a visit to Ohio State, so what did he think of the visit?

“I had a great visit to Ohio State,” Grant said. “If I had to rate it, I would give it a ten I guess.”

According to Grant, he is still getting warmed up to the new Florida head coach Will Muschamp.

“I’ve talked to coach Muschamp a couple of times — I’m still getting to know him,” Grant said. “I just want to go down there get to know him a little bit more, see him face to face and see what he’s talking about.”

Grant will visit Florida the weekend of January 14 and, according to Grant, the lack of size in Florida’s linebacker unit won’t persuade him one way or another.

“I’m going there to compete regardless, even though the size isn’t there, doesn’t mean the talent isn’t there,” Grant said. “I’m just going to go in and compete wherever I go.”

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FLORIDA NOT LISTED IN JERNIGAN’S TOP THREE

When asked today if Florida was still out Tim Jernigan’s top four, the 6-foot-2, 275-pound defensive tackle from Lake City, Columbia HS replied:

“Yes sir, I’m actually down to three right now, LSU, Florida State and Alabama. Those are my favorite three right now.

“You know I still feel like there is a 90% chance it will be one of the three. You know things could change but I really think it will be one of the three, I feel comfortable with those three.”

According to Jernigan, Muschamp has tried to call him a few different times, but has not been able to reach him for various reasons.

“Muschamp has spoken with my mom and dad, but I have been gone when he has called so I haven’t had a chance to speak with about the defense and scheme and stuff like that,” Grant.

So will Jernigan visit the Gators before he makes his final decision on Signing Day?

“I don’t know,” Jernigan said. “I don’t know, it really depends, it really depends. I just don’t know, I just don’t see it happening right now.”

Florida running back commit Mike Blakely (5-9/194, Bradenton/ Manatee HS) said he wants to talk to Jernigan about his college choice but up until now he hasn’t quite had the opportunity yet.

Although the East team was not dressed in full pads, they spent a portion of practice working on the Wild Cat offense with Blakely at quarterback. I would expect to see a few wrinkles with Blakely in the formation on Saturday afternoon.

http://infusionsports.com/2011/01/gators-gaining-ground-on-prospects/

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