Gator Country

Some high schools are known as national powerhouses. In the state of Minnesota, Cretin Derham Hall is stacked; year in, year out. One of their star players last season was wide receiver Michael Floyd. He didn’t just star on the gridiron however. Leading both the football and basketball teams deep in the playoffs, Floyd has used the summer to push he and his teammates to that next step; winning a state championship during his senior year.

(Michael Floyd profile)

Michael Floyd is not very easy to miss on the basketball court, the track, or the football field at Cretin Derham Hall. His year around schedule keeps him in top shape, no matter what sport is in season.

The summer isn’t a time of relaxation either. Floyd was actually at a basketball tournament in Louisville, Ky. when we spoke with him.

He just wants to get better, no matter how much work it takes. The 6-4, 210-pound wide receiver was very useful in two deep playoffs runs on the football field and the basketball court.

“We lost to get to the state championship game in basketball by a few points,” Floyd said. “I averaged 18 points a game for us this season.

“Then in football, we went 10-1 in football and lost to get to the state championship game. I had a good year though. I caught 63 passes for 1,245 yards and 16 touchdowns.”

With junior stats like Floyd’s, its no surprise many people see him as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation. But those stats were not enough for him to be happy with his season. For his school, the season was actually a disappointment.

“That’s the first time we haven’t been to the championship in 17 years,” Floyd said. “There’s a lot on my back this year. We’ll be coming back with a good team so we’ll find a way to make it happen. There isn’t much pressure; it’s just something that we’ve got to do. When we don’t get there its just different, and makes us want is that much worse.”

This winning tradition will continue for Floyd as he heads off to college. Currently favoring four successful programs, he looks to be a winner at the next level as well.

“I have a current top four,” Floyd said. “They’d be Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Ohio State.”

Floyd spent the time to tell us specifically what he likes about his top four. All four have offered.

Notre Dame- “They throw the ball and I like Coach Weis. He’s a cool guy.”

Ohio State- “I like all their coaches up there. They’re all really cool.”

Michigan- “Their wide receivers coach is real cool. I know a lot of guys that are on campus and they’re great people.”

Florida- “I haven’t been there yet, but I know they want to win. They’re only looking for the best players to do that. Their goal every year is a championship.”

The St. Paul, Minn. prospect has visited the three schools closest to him. He hopes to eventually make it down to Gainesville, with Friday Night Lights still a possibility.

“I’ve been to all three except Florida,” Floyd said. “I’m hoping to be there for Friday Night Lights. I’m trying to have my mom bring me down there. If I have enough money then I’ll come down.”

The Florida coach Michael Floyd talks to the most would be his position coach, Billy Gonzales, if he signed with the Gators.

“I talk to Coach Gonzales a lot,” Floyd said. “Our relationship isn’t too strong right now. We talk most of the time, and when we do it’s just about life. It’s not a whole lot of recruiting stuff, which I actually kind of like.”

Looking at the Florida offense, Floyd sees a need for a player like himself. He thinks his combination of size and speed would be very well used in Gainesville.

“I can be one of those guys who take it to the house for them,” Floyd said. “I would give them a stronger receiver to go up and catch the ball.”

When the fall allows him to take official visits, they will have to fit into his specific plans.

“It depends on what happens with me,” Floyd said. “I’ve got to see what I want to do. My official visits will have to work with the schedule for my high school team.”

Floyd wants a place that will not only give him success on the field, but off it as well. Wanting to major in business, he thinks he could also switch to another major if he finds one more interesting.

“I want a place with good people and great academics outside of football,” Floyd said. “I want them to keep me on track so I can graduate. Really, I just want great people.”

He isn’t sure when he will make the final decision. When he does however, you can bet that many coaches across the nation will be anxious to hear it.

About the author

GatorCody

Cody, born and raised in Daytona Beach, is a baseball fanatic, but loves covering Gator recruiting for Gator Country. He graduated from Spruce Creek High's prestigious International Baccalaureate program and is now in his sophomore year studying journalism at the University of Florida.

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