2014 DT Travonte Valentine of Bayside High School, Palm Bay FL

[Jaymz15Gators]

DT Travonte Valentine 6-4 295 ****
Bayside High School
Palm Bay FL
7.29.2012 Commitment
2.15.2013 Commitment Withdrawn

**********

Reopened his recruitment after he committed to Louisville in May. He is coming to FNL with his coach later this month. Comes from the same HS (Palm Bay High) as Reggie Nelson and Joe Cohen. Florida among the favorites for his services. Wouldn't be surprised if he commits at FNL.

[gnvgator]

http://espn.go.com/blog/colleges/florida/

"Valentine, who will attend Florida's Friday Night Lights camp on July 27, said that his familiarity with the Florida program is a reason the Gators are at the top of his list."

[SydneySLee]

I thought he was going to commit to 'Bama after he de-committed from Louisville? Would be great to take him away from 'Bama.

[sbcg8r]

He loves Auburn too. Long time till February 2014.

[deep_threat]

"@ZachAbolverdi: Per his Facebook, top 2014 DT Travonte Valentine has committed to #Florida"

[deep_threat]

Big get, can somebody link his profile, highlights, etc. for me. I'm on my phone

[supagator]

Wahoo!

[newdad]

6' 3" 283 big boy.

[chicogator1]

Love to hear that! That being said,way too early to get jacked. Charlie Strong will be in picture till he gets to Hog town. We already know he's got skills. GO GATORS

[gatorbait5]

apparently he still hasn't even talked to the coaches about committing. But the kids seems like a stud and im sure we would be glad to take him

[newdad]

Agreed, He does has a offer.

[slmdLS1]

6' 3" 283 big boy.

6'4", 295lbs.

He has now talked with Muschamp and is official now.

[GATORAZ]

the kid loves committing places and word is he needs to work real hard in the classroom. But everybody says the kid is a great player

[stomp_and_chomp]

Kid really wants to play in the SEC. I'd be more worried about Bama or LSU than Louisville.

Still a little worried about how solid he is, but we have a long time to secure it when we start adding to the 2014 class.

Great start to 2014 tho... Arguably one of the top 3 WR's in the state for 2014 in Ryeshene Bronson and now one of the top DL (and arguably the best DT) in the state.

[slmdLS1]

the kid loves committing places and word is he needs to work real hard in the classroom. But everybody says the kid is a great player

we gotta stop with this. Yes he committed to UL, but why would he not jump at a way better offer in UF(he also mentioned mom and distance so he wanted to be closer to home)? its not like he's jumped around at a bunch of mid level schools...and of course he has "work to do"....he just finished his Sophomore year of high school. LOL.

[GATORAZ]

Kid really wants to play in the SEC. I'd be more worried about Bama or LSU than Louisville.

Still a little worried about how solid he is, but we have a long time to secure it when we start adding to the 2014 class.

Great start to 2014 tho... Arguably one of the top 3 WR's in the state for 2014 in Ryeshene Bronson and now one of the top DL (and arguably the best DT) in the state.

I agree not worried about Louisville more Bama LSU. Didnt he say FSU was his leader yesterday?

[Jaggator]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!

We took him away from FSU...

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/ncfrecruiting/southeast/post?id=7150&_slug_=gators-get-commit-from-2014-dt-valentine&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fblo g%2fncfrecruiting%2fsoutheast%2fpost%3fid%3d7150%2 6_slug_%3dgators-get-commit-from-2014-dt-valentine

[Jaggator]

http://woollyal.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=17967

[Jaggator]

"DT Travonte Valentine, Palm Bay (Fla.) Bayside Valentine was one of the big-name prospects in Dallas this weekend, having already made a commitment to Louisville (even though he was wearing a South Carolina Gamecocks hat during the event). The 6-foot-3, 285-pound prospect backed up all the early hype and was physically a man among boys, even among a group comprised of some of the top prospects in the nation in his class."

[GATORAZ]

we gotta stop with this. Yes he committed to UL, but why would he not jump at a way better offer in UF(he also mentioned mom and distance so he wanted to be closer to home)? its not like he's jumped around at a bunch of mid level schools...and of course he has "work to do"....he just finished his Sophomore year of high school. LOL.

At least he realizes he needs to work on his grades.

[StrangeGator]

#32 prospect overall on 247sports, #3 DT.

[Dreamliner]

Just keep on loading up on DT's. If a couple of them can throw and catch, so much the better.

[StrangeGator]

Just keep on loading up on DT's. If a couple of them can throw and catch, so much the better.

Actually, we whiffed on DTs in 2011, we're bringing in only one freshman DT and one JUCO, and there's only one true DT committed for the 2013 class. Half the DTs on our roster are eligible for the draft this year. Absolutely, let's keep bringing in the DTs.

[TnCamoGator]

I think we can thank Marcus maye for this one. He stayed on travonte for a while till he finally popped

[RayGator]

6' 3" 283 big boy.

To me this is so unreal. The kid must be about 16. And he's already that size! Can you imagine how much he must eat every day! His Mom and dad probably can't get to Publix fast enough!

[GATORAZ]

kid is ginormous hope he sticks and works hard in the classroom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STYcZzmsMGA

[deep_threat]

Holy mother of Beastmode. I knew he was really good but that looks like top 25 in the nation good. Future 5 star?

[wolfjs70]

Kid's twice as big as the everyone else. He's a house.

[UFreak]

Impressive highlights. He may want to change songs, however. :)

[gatorbait1]

Impressive highlights. He may want to change songs, however. :)

Agreed!

[gatorbait1]

Impressive highlights. He may want to change songs, however. :)

I agree! Dudes a freakin animal! No he's a manimal!!! But change the music man ;)

[GATORAZ]

Impressive highlights. He may want to change songs, however. :)

he didnt make the video

[UFreak]

he didnt make the video

You saying he has no control as to what music went on his own video? I find that hard to believe.

[gatorbait1]

Me too

[GATORAZ]

You saying he has no control as to what music went on his own video? I find that hard to believe.

that is exactly what I am saying have you looked at that youtube page?

[UFreak]

that is exactly what I am saying have you looked at that youtube page?

Yes, I have looked at it. What is it that I'm missing or that definitively states that he had no choice in the music that is played over his high school film. Am I looking in the wrong place?

[GATORAZ]

Yes, I have looked at it. What is it that I'm missing or that definitively states that he had no choice in the music that is played over his high school film. Am I looking in the wrong place?

why on earth would some random fan get in contact with him and ask him what music he wants on his highlight video on youtube?

You can also see the circles that highlight him on every play which means they took the clips from hudle. So a random fan took the clips from another site put a self made gator intro and put some music that they thought would suit the highlights.

[UFreak]

why on earth would some random fan get in contact with him and ask him what music he wants on his highlight video on youtube?

You can also see the circles that highlight him on every play which means they took the clips from hudle. So a random fan took the clips from another site put a self made gator intro and put some music that they thought would suit the highlights.

Naturally, you can make a video and post it to YouTube. But the guy who made this does them with frequency. My hunch is that he runs them past players before he loads them onto YouTube. Contacts them via twitter or FB. You certainly may be right. I'm just thinking it is much more likely that he is getting their blessing first.

[GATORAZ]

Naturally, you can make a video and post it to YouTube. But the guy who made this does them with frequency. My hunch is that he runs them past players before he loads them onto YouTube. Contacts them via twitter or FB. You certainly may be right. I'm just thinking it is much more likely that he is getting their blessing first.

why would that be your hunch? Why would he run it past them first?

You think he tells them he has this great record he wants to put behind his highlights? You think Vernon Ok'd his music as well?

[StrangeGator]

Players have no say about what goes on their highlight reels. The people that make these things crank them out like sausage and their taste in music is typically wretched. They're horrible editors to begin with. It's painful to watch sometimes, and even harder to listen to.

[UFreak]

why would that be your hunch? Why would he run it past them first?

You think he tell them he has this great Jeezy record he wants to put behind his highlights? You think Vernon Ok'd his music as well?

Fair enough you win, you're probably right. I'm going to sleep

[Gator_84_88]

why on earth would some random fan get in contact with him and ask him what music he wants on his highlight video on youtube?

You can also see the circles that highlight him on every play which means they took the clips from hudle. So a random fan took the clips from another site put a self made gator intro and put some music that they thought would suit the highlights.

Gatoraz is exactly right folks.

[MelBeachGator]

Travonte goes to Bayside High School, one of the main rivals of my alma mater, Palm Bay. When they meet up during the season, I'll have to give him a look and report back. That kid is a mauler though.

[deep_threat]

If you follow the guy who makes the videos on Twitter @clutchlikeMJ you can see that he actually does run it by the players he makes them for

[GATORAZ]

If you follow the guy who makes the videos on Twitter @clutchlikeMJ you can see that he actually does run it by the players he makes them for

I see he talks to them still not sure he actually ask what song to use. Seems like he wants to know where can he get some highlights. But maybe VH3 and Valentine both like the same artist. I personally dont care what music he uses glad I got to see the highlights I could not find TV's on my own for some reason.

[gatormann]

It is always a pleasure to watch highlights of a dominant defensive lineman who has plans to attend UF.

[fubar1]

I'm glad we're back to actually talking about the prospect.

[AH1GatorChomper]

Taylor gang on youtube usually takes clips from other videos... he's done so on my videos of Gator football highlights that i also edited from a entire game i will not disclose that its wrong, but i worked hard on my vids only to see my highlights that i created appear on his which makes me feel like a fool for spending time editing them... so i stopped making Gator highlights... anyways this kid looks like a beast and one of the top in the nation!

[AH1GatorChomper]

I'm glad we're back to actually talking about the prospect.

Oh and mybad ill drop the subject didn't really want to start it up again just was getting my word in...

[atlg8rfan]

Kid is very disruptive.

[PSGator66]

Too bad he can't play this year - he looks very ready.

[deep_threat]

taylor gang on youtube usually takes clips from other videos... He's done so on my videos of gator football highlights that i also edited from a entire game i will not disclose that its wrong, but i worked hard on my vids only to see my highlights that i created appear on his which makes me feel like a fool for spending time editing them... So i stopped making gator highlights... Anyways this kid looks like a beast and one of the top in the nation!

start making them again PLEASE!

[AH1GatorChomper]

start making them again PLEASE!

Ill look into making highlights again this up comming season since you asked

[deep_threat]

Ill look into making highlights again this up comming season since you asked

Please do, they are awesome.

[TnCamoGator]

It must suck to be one of those quarterbacks that have to take a snap right in front of this kid

[RayGator]

Travonte goes to Bayside High School, one of the main rivals of my alma mater, Palm Bay. When they meet up during the season, I'll have to give him a look and report back. That kid is a mauler though.

Are we going to get that report? :)

[RayGator]

Very soon we'll be looking ahead to 2014.

[TrillGator]

This now the second time per Derek Tyson on twitter. I hope we do end up getting this guy although his indecisiveness is frustrating.

[jmethax]

Did he say reason for de committing?

[TrillGator]

Did he say reason for de committing?

I can't find any reasoning. Derek Tyson did say this was expected though.

[gatorbait96]

We did sign a lot of DT's this year. You know other schools are using that against us. However it's not over by any means.

[TrillGator]

We did sign a lot of DT's this year. You know other schools are using that against us. However it's not over by any means.

That's a very likely reason. I'm sure muschamp and company can assure this guy he will be a good fit and have a good role before its all said and done

[stomp_and_chomp]

We have 11 1/2 months to bring him back on board.

But meh, not too happy that we lost him. He is the best DT in the state and 4th best in the country according to rivals.

That said though, if he decommitted because of the DT's we took this past class, then I really don't see him coming back on board. Champ is a heck of a recruiter though, so I am holding out just a little bit of hope.

[Zanso]

He's been wavering for months, it's not a depth issue. He said he's taking a step back so he likely just wants to go through the process and make sure it's the right decision

[HudsonGator]

My opinion is that this is yet but another example of why we need to stop using the word "commitment" when it comes to recruiting. Simply say that we're a favorite and be done with it. Calling these kids a "commitment" does a disservice to the word.

[TrillGator]

My opinion is that this is yet but another example of why we need to stop using the word "commitment" when it comes to recruiting. Simply say that we're a favorite and be done with it. Calling these kids a "commitment" does a disservice to the word.

I agree, seems like every year the value of getting a "commitment" depreciates. I think it's getting to the point where it almost means nothing. However, every one of these guys situations is different and maybe valentine doesn't want to go somewhere he has to compete as hard as he will have to for us. maybe he just wants to step in and be the man.

[g8r925]

I get that it's aggravating to see a kid commit and then decommit, but if you look at the majority of our last class, they all committed early on in the process and shut it down..... So I think that will be the course of our classes in the future. Hope he see's the light if not GATOR BAIT

[palmbayed]

I wouldn't get to worried about this kid. I coach in the same district as he plays and lets just say I really don't have a real high opinion of him.

[gator7_5]

If you don't like the term committed, don't pay attention to it. You really have no choice. It aint goin away.

[TrillGator]

I wouldn't get to worried about this kid. I coach in the same district as he plays and lets just say I really don't have a real high opinion of him.

Probably because you can't move the ball when he's on the field! Lol jk. But muschamp seems to have a knack for sorting out the guys with character issues. Ask quinton Powell

[palmbayed]

We beat them last year so we moved the ball on them just fine thank you. They were 4-6 last year so a lot of teams moved the ball on them. They have been 4-6 the last 2 years.

[TrillGator]

We beat them last year so we moved the ball on them just fine thank you. They were 4-6 last year so a lot of teams moved the ball on them. They have been 4-6 the last 2 years.

Well if you don't mind me asking, what is it about him that provokes your low opinion on him? I hope he's not an Easley type guy that's boasts after every tackle he makes. That is a real annoyance and completely opposite the image CWM has done a good job of building for our program.

[rserina]

Well if you don't mind me asking, what is it about him that provokes your low opinion on him? I hope he's not an Easley type guy that's boasts after every tackle he makes. That is a real annoyance and completely opposite the image CWM has done a good job of building for our program.
Muschamp could probably care less what a kid does after a tackle if he plays hard, gets his work done off the field, is a good teammate and stays out of trouble. Heck, Muschamp makes Jon Gruden look like Tony Dungy on the sideline, so I suspect a kid celebrating after a big ply in the heat of competition doesn't matter a lick to him.

[RayGator]

My opinion is that this is yet but another example of why we need to stop using the word "commitment" when it comes to recruiting. Simply say that we're a favorite and be done with it. Calling these kids a "commitment" does a disservice to the word.

You are exactly right. I have always held the opinion a different word should be used. Perhaps preference would be a better one.

I doubt that many know, or maybe care, just what commit means. Which also leads to the point that there is NO such word as decommit! Check a Webster's or good dictionary. A commitment is giving one's word, a promise. Just as when you are in a court of law and you take an oath to tell the truth. It's serious.

[OaktownGator]

I view verbal commitment more like getting engaged... some places you even get a ring (or down payment).

But it's a lot easier to break the engagement than to get a divorce after you're married. NSD (or EE) is the marriage date.

[Juggernautz]

Grades

[DieAGator]

Grades

Thanks, made me laugh.. you're probably right.