2013 Gator Class #19: DT Darious Cummings of East Miss. JC, Scooba MS

[Jaggator]

DT Darious Cummings 6-2 305 ****
Astronaut High School
Titusville FL
East Mississippi Junior College
Scooba, Mississippi
1.7.2013 Signed Letter Of Intent
1.7.2013 Early Enrollment

**********

Why?

Read this article and tell me what you think.

He is officially visiting this weekend for FLA/Jacksonville State game.
We better play much better to impress him.

I believe we steal him away from Ole Miss.
Just a gut feeling from his comments about playing in Florida with the opportunity to step in and start next year. Also, it doesn't hurt having Wilbur Marshall, Dwayne Dixon, and someone by the name of NFL Hall of Fame Stud DL Coach Bryant Young recruiting you. Wow!

http://recruiting.blogs.gatorsports.com/14154/cummings-has-several-ties-to-florida/

[GATORAZ]

I will wait until he commits and not silently before I get too excited. I think there is a chance though.

[gtr2x]

Pretty positive article. Never hurts to get a call from a HOFer and he is a Florida kid.

[gatorbait1]

Gator!

[GatorNation850]

“It kind of seems like we were destined to play together,” Cummings laughed. “It would be cool to beat our old school. I don’t even refer to that school by name. I text Damien the other day and said, ‘Man, if I go to Florida, that school out west is going to get smashed.’ ”

My favorite part of the article lol I like this kid already I hope he becomes a Gator

[Jaggator]

Here's Zach's prediction...

"I’m not ready to make any predictions other than Harris, but right now I think Florida finishes with him, Cummings and/or Reed, Ogundeko and JUCO offensive tackle Trenton Brown (Milledgeville, Ga./Georgia Military College). I doubt the Gators will be able to add another receiver, but they’re trying."

[sbcg8r]

Question: since Mann transferred out, can't we sign that receiver now? ^^^

[sec1]

i hope so.... Go Gators

[lean_gator]

Same guy who wrote the article on the silent commits? Eh.

[GATORAZ]

Question: since Mann transferred out, can't we sign that receiver now? ^^^

its a matter of a WR that is elite wanting to sign with Florida

[RepubliGator84]

Liking our chances

[ametcalf]

sounded positive

[woltes]

Any world on if he might commit today?

[lean_gator]

Per his twitter, he has commited to the Gators!

[GATORAZ]

big pick up

He was a top 150 player out of high school when he went to FSU. He is extremely quick for his size.

https://instagr.am/p/SLoX-4GNwQ/media/?size=l

[IndyGator09]

Hearing Cummings commited to the Gators. Hope we can pull his teammate In Jan..Go Gators

[gatorbait96]

Nice!

[SwampFox]

6' 2" 305lb BIG..........4 Star out of high school......

good job guys!

[GatorDay2104]

Harris then Ogundeko next.....What a class this will be.

[Danielmaddie]

Was originally committed to FSU out of high school. Refers to them as the school out west. Won't even refer to them by name

[gatorbait1]

Nice!!!!! Welcome aboard! This class is nasty! Love it

[gatormonk]

When does he enroll? :happy:

[rylander]

He will enroll Jan

[atlantagator86]

Should be an interesting trip for him back to Tallahassee in 2 years.

[DeBigLeezard]

Forgive me... but who is his teamate???

[hooking]

This class will add some needed depth! Offensively we will get better with time..

[stomp_and_chomp]

Picking up his JUCO teammate will be a bigger coup.

[StrangeGator]

Nice size. Wonder if his frame is big enough to hold another 20 pounds if we switch to a two-gap 3-4 defense. I keep hearing we're going to do that, and we seem to be recruiting other personnel who would be ideal for such a scheme, but have yet to sign a true zero-technique NT.

[toddsevans]

His size is right for his speed. Welcome to the Gator Nation Darius!!!

[DieAGator]

Forgive me... but who is his teamate???

Must be Jarran Reed

http://jcfootball.scout.com/a.z?s=87&p=8&c=1&nid=6289640

[Zanso]

Coming out of high school, he was considered kind of undersized but other than that an amazing prospect.

After 2 years of putting size on, he's an AMAZING pickup.

[DieAGator]

Very happy to have him on board.

Gurus,

We now have 5 DL commits. Are either Jarran Reed, Ogendeko, or Mont Adams still needed... do we have room for either or did we just fill up?

Does Cummings replace D Walker/G Gilmore or did we need him regardless?

[LAGatorDoc]

Very happy to have him on board.

Gurus,

We now have 5 DL commits. Are either Jarran Reed, Ogendeko, or Mont Adams still needed... do we have room for either or did we just fill up?

Does Cummings replace D Walker/G Gilmore or did we need him regardless?

I say we contact Adams an say, you wanna get on this boat and ride it to the NC?? If not we take Reed and one of Daniel or Ogundeko and call it a day on the line, since Easley is likely comin back

[LAGatorDoc]

There's two, Jarren Reed and Lauren Jackson, but we aren't pursuing Jackson to m knowledge

[gatordee]

Finally!! Some good news on the recruiting trail!! A great pick up for the Gators. Good work coaches.

[DieAGator]

I say we contact Adams an say, you wanna get on this boat and ride it to the NC?? If not we take Reed and one of Daniel or Ogundeko and call it a day on the line, since Easley is likely comin back

Doc I hear what you're saying, but in the case of Adams georgia can say the same thing, and I guess the difficulty getting Adams is he seems to(Mom included?) like georgia as much or more as Florida. Helps georgia obviously that he's a georgia kid.

As to taking Adams or Reed and Daniel or Ogundeko, that would make seven. Can we go that high? I expect competition to be fierce on DL going forward and given the numbers of 12' and 13' we have to be looking at some transfers eventually, which would level the playing field numbers wise. But it's still hard to load up that heavy two classes in a row and still meet your needs at other positions if you have the prospects available to fill the other positions.

We've been heavy on DBs and DL under Coach Muschamp and look to be leaning to a fourth LB if possible. So my feeling overall is that with a top defense against the #1 toughest SOS in nationally staff seems to know what it's doing.

http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?year=2012&org=235
http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2012/Internet/toughest%20schedule/fbs_9games_cumm.pdf

[stomp_and_chomp]

Very happy to have him on board.

Gurus,

We now have 5 DL commits. Are either Jarran Reed, Ogendeko, or Mont Adams still needed... do we have room for either or did we just fill up?

Does Cummings replace D Walker/G Gilmore or did we need him regardless?

Yes to all 3.

Ogundeko will EE and count towards last years class. Also, if Sherit is playing DE, Ogundeko would take the Buck role... and could eventually be a LB.

Jarran Reed, I am hearing, is a beast and might be a more realistic replacement for Floyd than a true freshman.

Monty Adams is the ONLY true freshman DT that we can take, at this point, who can come in and compete for immediate playing time.

All 3 are elite, imho.

I think we have room for 2 more DL and 2 more OL (1 of which will more than likely be Trent Brown). I'm not expecting much more than that.

Edit: And, of course, Marcell Harris, who is also an EE.

[GATORAZ]

All three are still needed. Jarren Reed is going to give a long hard look at Ole miss he really likes them. I think Cummings was a bigger get than Reed. Reed cant enroll until summer.

Adams is a plus 1 you will never stop recruiting him unless he tells you to.

Dont forget Jaynard Bostwick

[LAGatorDoc]

Doc I hear what you're saying, but in the case of Adams georgia can say the same thing, and I guess the difficulty getting Adams is he seems to(Mom included?) like georgia as much or more as Florida. Helps georgia obviously that he's a georgia kid.

As to taking Adams or Reed and Daniel or Ogundeko, that would make seven. Can we go that high? I expect competition to be fierce on DL going forward and given the numbers of 12' and 13' we have to be looking at some transfers eventually, which would level the playing field numbers wise. But it's still hard to load up that heavy two classes in a row and still meet your needs at other positions if you have the prospects available to fill the other positions.

We've been heavy on DBs and DL under Coach Muschamp and look to be leaning to a fourth LB if possible. So my feeling overall is that with a top defense against the #1 toughest SOS in nationally staff seems to know what it's doing.

http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?year=2012&org=235
http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2012/Internet/toughest%20schedule/fbs_9games_cumm.pdf

Unless Jenkins goes early, with the LBs we have committed and already there, I don't think we need another LB in this class. Now if Jenkins leaves early, Trey Johnson would be a nice replacement. If Jelani stays, I don't see room for Johnson in this class. Also we have Sherit at WSDE, buck or OLB, so i think with his smarts and athleticism we can move him where we need him. I think the center of the line and ILB is our major concern for now, and with McMillan and Hearns, and Taylor and Morrison, we have that ILB by rotation for the next couple of years. Hearns is the closest to ILB size right now, but Taylor is probably our best bet for ILB next year because of experience. There isn't a recruit out there now that we can recruit that could help out right away with ILB besides Reuben Foster, who is definitely not coming here. So I say get the D and o line shored up, maybe another WR if we can, or a fullback that can Leo our HBs by blocking for them, which will help our offense a lot.

[Jaggator]

Forgive me... but who is his teamate???

Damien Jacobs

[DieAGator]

Ogundeko will EE and count towards last years class. Also, if Sherit is playing DE, Ogundeko would take the Buck role... and could eventually be a LB. Funny thing about Ogun is he's listed by Rivals and Scout as a LB, even an OLB by Scout. But thought I heard it said here he's not considered fast even as a DE prospect, no? I like him coming in at LB if he's suited for the position but if so, isn't he MLB or nothing? Rivals lists him at 227, Scout at 240. Just curious.

By the way, he might not have been high on our board as some other prospects who committed elsewhere I take it. Who would have been above him? Still like him coming in at LB if he has the speed and reaction LBs need.

Jarran Reed, I am hearing, is a beast and might be a more realistic replacement for Floyd than a true freshman. Hoping for him or Adams no doubt. Hard to believe Adams would come even if he wanted to with two ready-to-play JUCOs on board if Reed comes with Cummings. My guess is staff not feeling like Adams comes, but just a guess.

All 3 are eliteOgundeko included?

I think we have room for 2 more DL and 2 more OL (1 of which will more than likely be Trent Brown). I'm not expecting much more than that. You mean all positions or OL/DL? Have any insights about Crowder, Kirkland, Outlaw, or Rod Johnson?


All three are still needed. Not that I doubt you and at least from the "it can't hurt to have them" standpoint they would be good to have. But why do we need them with 7 DL from last class, five so far here? Do you happen to suspect some of past two DL classes might not make it on the field?

Seems to me 13 DL is more than enough to build a two deep even if you miss on a few. But if we have room for more, so be it, no doubt.

Adams is a plus 1 you will never stop recruiting him unless he tells you to.
Thing that concerns me about Adams is that looking at georgia's 12'/13' classes they haven't recruited all that well at DL and really need him. Easy to sell that he'll see early PT and will be georgia's "shining star". Would feel better if Mom loved Florida, we had beaten georgia, and he said UF feels like home.

Kind of odd to me as well Georgia passed on Kelsey Griffin as imo georgia hasn't recruited DL well enough past three classes to add him and risk scaring off Adams. But they let him get away to SC. Hope he gives the dogs all kinds of trouble for a few years.

Dont forget Jaynard Bostwick

Would be happy with JB as a consolation if we don't get Adams as it's not how Bostwick plays against Adams but how JB would play in our system against "their" OL. Earl Okine's comments makes me believe we can really coach DL into something.

Any idea if Elijah Daniel still actively recruited and mutually interested?

[GATORAZ]

DieAGator

1 If you have room you take the DLmen.
2 I think Ogundeko will play with his hand in the ground
3.Staff will stay on Adams Reed cant even visit unitl Jan
4 Of the list Florida is only recruiting Rod Johnson- they are looking at a few JUCO guards and tackles and also some off the radar High school kids like Trevon Young

5. Georgia likes there DT/DE's they have recruited they still really want Adams & Johnson

Right now the staff will take good Dlinemen and figure out where they will play them once they get on campus (I think)

[IndyGator09]

Not to get of the Cummings committing but what everyones thoughts of Brantley flirting with the team out west..He seems to be playing the recruiting game very well and with his size at 315 and talent he seems to be one that we can't let get away. Just seems to be a lot of chatter these days.

[G8RNTN]

Damn he looks like he is his mid 30's!!!!

[stomp_and_chomp]

Funny thing about Ogun is he's listed by Rivals and Scout as a LB, even an OLB by Scout. But thought I heard it said here he's not considered fast even as a DE prospect, no? I like him coming in at LB if he's suited for the position but if so, isn't he MLB or nothing? Rivals lists him at 227, Scout at 240. Just curious.

By the way, he might not have been high on our board as some other prospects who committed elsewhere I take it. Who would have been above him? Still like him coming in at LB if he has the speed and reaction LBs need.

I was thinking MLB too, but still, I think he's capable of OLB. He's not the fastest, but he is best suited at Buck because he is nimble, at least, to get around the big guys.

Only guy above him is Elijah Daniel, imho. Daniel has grade issues and we'd still have to flip him from Clemson. Ogundeko is a much safer bet and on top of everything, having him come in early is a major bonus.


Hoping for him or Adams no doubt. Hard to believe Adams would come even if he wanted to with two ready-to-play JUCOs on board if Reed comes with Cummings. My guess is staff not feeling like Adams comes, but just a guess.


Well, we need an immediate replacement for Floyd, that is the most pressing matter for our DT's.

2 JUCO's would be excellent, as they both have a couple years of beefing up under their belts. Both JUCO prospects are top notch, as well.

We still want, and need, Adams, even with 1-2 JUCO's. He would still see early time, no doubt. He has the type of skill that would trump most, if not all of, our 2012 DT's prospects.


Ogundeko included?


Ya, I'd call him elite. He is the #1 rated prospect coming out of New York. That's something, I suppose. He has a ton of talent. It's just that most recruiting fans really wanted Daniel, but hey - Ogundeko is a very good get.


You mean all positions or OL/DL? Have any insights about Crowder, Kirkland, Outlaw, or Rod Johnson?


I'm saying, for the close out of the class. I can see us getting 2 OL, Trenton Brown + 1, I don't know who the +1 would be, but I am willing to say it's none of the names in the quote. I like Denson from FSU, but he hasn't been offered by us yet, I still think it's going to come at some point.

For DL, I would say we will 100% take another DT. Jarran Reed and Montravius Adams are the best obtainable - landing both would be absolutely crazy and highly unlikely. There's also a chance we could lose Caleb Brantley.

Jarran Reed is a guy that we would have to flip soon or it's just not going to happen. It's down to Ole Miss and us for his services. Ole Miss is the favorite to land him, BUT his JUCO teammate friend (Cummings) flipped from Ole Miss to us. So, if both want to play together, then we are sitting pretty. They were also past teammates with Damien Jacobs at EMCC, which is helpful.

If we landed both JUCO DT's, like I think we might, then Montravius Adams may not happen... But we wouldn't stop recruiting him. If by some miracle Muschamp puts on the special treatment and sells him early playing time, even with the depth that we have built up, and he accepts and trusts that, then he would most assuredly be the +1 taken in this class... He's just one of those types of prospects that we CANNOT turn down. Whether or not he wants to sign with so many DL remains to be seen. It's been said before that he is visiting with his Mom for the player banquet... If for whatever reason he doesn't make it down, then we can completely cross him off the list... But if he sticks to his plans and turns up in Gainesville on December 8th, then I would say we are still in the thick of it.

Caleb Brantley has been rocking the boat since he committed way back when. His parents, I believe, are the leading factor in why he doesn't just pull the trigger and move on. FSU kinda scares me a little because it's still pretty close to home and his parents might be open to that... We'll see I guess.

Ehhh. I typed too much and now I am running late, in short, we are sitting at 21. Trenton Brown and another OL will put us at 23. Jarran Reed would put us at 24. Marcell Harris and Ebenezer Ogundeko will put us at 26, but again, they're both EE's and will count towards last years class. Monty Adams is the +1. So possibly 27 in all, which is about right. Depending on transfers/NFL the number could hit 28, but that's because of the EE's... would be a legit number.

[GATORAZ]

Not to get of the Cummings committing but what everyones thoughts of Brantley flirting with the team out west..He seems to be playing the recruiting game very well and with his size at 315 and talent he seems to be one that we can't let get away. Just seems to be a lot of chatter these days.

He was at the Florida game this weekend. He still hasn't been to FSU this year. His family wants him at Florida. There is a chance they flip him but they have to get him on campus first.

[LAGatorDoc]

Stomp, Reed can't even visit until Jan, so there is only a very small chance he commits without visiting

[bofusgators]

Yes, a great get. Go Gators!

[PSGator66]

There have been some outstanding JUCO transer DTs in the SEC - Cody, Fairley, Jenkins...

[ETGator1]

Welcome aboard Darious.

Strictly for next season, I'd take Reed. The last freshman DT to start for UF was Marcus Thomas. The best recruit we have for next season on the DL became Dominique Easley the moment he decided to return for his senior season.

Unless Darious Cummings headline and other places have it wrong, we have 20 verbal commitments counting Darious, not 21.

[ofmgator]

Welcome big guy...you made the right choice! Go Gators!

[your_perfect_enemy]

He was at the Florida game this weekend. He still hasn't been to FSU this year. His family wants him at Florida. There is a chance they flip him but they have to get him on campus first.

will he be in tally for the game this weekend?

[thedyc09]

Well, we need an immediate replacement for Floyd, that is the most pressing matter for our DT's.

Our "immediate" replacement for Floyd ought to be Easley. He's stiffened up against the run this year, and with a full spring and fall practice, should be able to continue wrecking havoc in the interior, just like he was last year. We've got enough beef via JUCO and some stellar luck with guys like Bullard that we ought to be fine rotating guys at DE. As far as I'm concerned we need a zero tech DT to replace Hunter (likely via JUCO, unles Jacobs can fill that role) and the best of the rest.

[GATORAZ]

Welcome aboard Darious.

Strictly for next season, I'd take Reed. The last freshman DT to start for UF was Marcus Thomas. The best recruit we have for next season on the DL became Dominique Easley the moment he decided to return for his senior season.

Unless Darious Cummings headline and other places have it wrong, we have 20 verbal commitments counting Darious, not 21.

Tyler Moore doesnt count on many sites because he is a transfer but when you add him we have 21.

[LAGatorDoc]

Our "immediate" replacement for Floyd ought to be Easley. He's stiffened up against the run this year, and with a full spring and fall practice, should be able to continue wrecking havoc in the interior, just like he was last year. We've got enough beef via JUCO and some stellar luck with guys like Bullard that we ought to be fine rotating guys at DE. As far as I'm concerned we need a zero tech DT to replace Hunter (likely via JUCO, unles Jacobs can fill that role) and the best of the rest.

Orr will be a junior next year, and he is our immediate replacement for Hunter. He should fit in nicely as he has been in Muschamps system for two years. If Brantley sticks, he will be our Hunter of the future. Jarren Reed needs another year to learn the position if he comes because he is raw and won't have a winter/spring under his belt. Adams will be the Floyd of the future, but he's likely a dawg. I like Easley with Cummings, and Riles/Ivie as backups at the Floyd spot.

That is all

[woltes]

Is Damien Jacobs a DE or DT?

[wllmferg]

BOOOOOM! Nice pick up indeed. Love his refusal to mention that day care out West by name.

[LAGatorDoc]

Is Damien Jacobs a DE or DT?

DT

[stomp_and_chomp]

Elijah Daniel is no longer with Clemson.

[VandyGator13]

Elijah Daniel is no longer with Clemson.

Because he is going to commit to Fla? 😃

[LAGatorDoc]

Because he is going to commit to Fla? dde03

If his grades are good enough I think he's in

[ovillegator]

Here's Cummings quote -- shows all of our coaches are indeed really important to these recruits. Also sounds like we have an impressive staff (which we do!):


"Not to take anything away from Ole Miss and not to take away anything from any other schools that showed interest in me, but Florida is top of the line," Cummings said. "The resources that they have and the way that they take care of their football players is second to none, I can honestly say.

"The coaching staff with Coach DQ [Dan Quinn] and Coach BY [Bryant Young], with those two right there, you have a future Hall of Famer and a coach that has coached in the NFL for 10 plus years. It doesn't get any better than that.

[GatorAvatar]

What happened when he was at FSU?

[GATORAZ]

What happened when he was at FSU?

he had some injuries that set him back and then had a hard time fighting his way back up the depth chart I think.

[CaptUSMCNole]

What happened when he was at FSU?

He was seen out of high school as a kid who was talented but needed some time to develop and some time in a major program weight room.

Once he was on campus he has redshirted. The following year he ended up getting hurt and then was passed up on the depth chart by guys like McAllister, McCray, and McCloud. With the DT's FSU had in the following recruiting class like Jernigan, NLS, and Mitchell, it was clear that he was going to have a very tough time breaking into the rotation.

I believe he was seen as a guy who would be a contributor on defense. Maybe not a superstar but someone who could be counted on to play in some crucial situations.

[bofusgators]

A great get.

[sec1]

Very nice pick up !!!

[gatorville]

Wonder if Darious's dad still drives around Titusville, Florida in that FSU car of his.

[CaptUSMCNole]

A great get.

Depends. Are you all looking at him to provide depth or to be a starter?

[GatorAvatar]

Depends. Are you all looking at him to provide depth or to be a starter?

Seems to me like he is for depth purposes.

[brolowe]

WELCOME to the Gator Nation Darious! Your obviously an intelligent young man or you wouldn't have made the decision to become A GATOR! Really lookin forward to watching you on the fields in the future and hope you'll use the opportunities your given to make the most of everything we have to offer. Now, have fun, keep up the grades, and learn to be GREAT! Its GREAT to be a GATOR!

[atlantagator86]

I understand injuries and all but if he wasn't able to compete for PT at FSU, is there a reason to think he will here?

I know we may be thin next year and he may be a guy who can provide immediate depth, which is why I assume we took him, and I'm okay with that, but I suspect he's going to be on the second or third string.

[GATORAZ]

I understand injuries and all but if he wasn't able to compete for PT at FSU, is there a reason to think he will here?

I know we may be thin next year and he may be a guy who can provide immediate depth, which is why I assume we took him, and I'm okay with that, but I suspect he's going to be on the second or third string.
The staff really wanted Darious. I doubt he starts but he is going to be in the rotation and that's what we need next year. Its not really even about starting on the Dline its how many quality snaps we can get out of him. If you watch his film you will see he is very quick. Jacobs has played well this year and I think Cumming will play a little better.

[RayGator]

Another great Gator commitment! :)

[RayGator]

DT Darious Cummings is an Early Ebrollment at UF.

http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20130109/ARTICLES/130109600/1189?p=all&tc=pgall

[Tebowism0823]

Welcome Cummings!

[RayGator]

January 7, 2013

Signed Letter Of Intent

[RayGator]

Darious Cummings enrolled early on 1.7.2013. He has chosen to wear jersey #55.

[StrangeGator]

The staff really wanted Darious. I doubt he starts but he is going to be in the rotation and that's what we need next year. Its not really even about starting on the Dline its how many quality snaps we can get out of him. If you watch his film you will see he is very quick. Jacobs has played well this year and I think Cumming will play a little better.

That's the key with players like him and Reed. If we can continue rotating DTs and SSDEs against the better running teams in the SEC, we can keep them from from beating us on the ground and force them to throw. That made a big difference last year. While we're losing Floyd and Hunter, we're replacing them with four to five DTs, two of them with post-high school experience. Easley and Orr will always be fresh when we need them to be on the field.

[GATORAZ]

http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=24913

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Darious Cummings is a rare breed.

Once an enemy of Florida fans, Cummings is now a Gator. And it's not like the former standout at Astronaut High in Titusville used to play for Illinois or Texas Tech or Mississippi State.

No, Cummings began his college career at Florida State. Yes, that's right, that “school out West” as a former Florida coach used to say.

In the storied history between the Gators and Seminoles, there have been others to play for both schools, but not many. Perhaps the most notable was former defensive back Vannez Gooch, who started his career in Tallahassee in 1996 and transferred to Florida, playing cornerback and special teams for the Gators in 1999 and 2000.

"The fans take it a little more serious than the players,'' Gooch told the Florida Times-Union in 2007. "They take it to heart. The majority of us [players] are friends."

Cummings played three games for the Seminoles as a freshman defensive tackle in 2010 and two more in 2011 before a knee injury wrecked his season. The 6-foot-1, 305-pound Cummings transferred to East Mississippi Community College in the summer of 2012 and rejuvenated his career with 26 tackles and three sacks in 10 games last fall.

He signed with the Gators and is expected to help fill the void left by the departures of defensive tackles Omar Hunter and Sharrif Floyd from last season's team.



Here is our Q&A with Cummings:

Q: Are you getting comfortable in your new surroundings?

A: I'm adjusting to it. There's not too much that's too different coming from where I came from.

Q: What's it been like for you since very few have played for both the Gators and Seminoles?

A: It's pretty funny. At first nobody really like paid any attention to it because I don't think anybody really thought it would be in motion. And then, after a while, everybody started talking about it. I was actually kind of getting harassed about it after a while. I took it in stride, so I've adjusted to it pretty well.

Q: Whom did you know best coming into school here?

A: Damien Jacobs [a transfer from EMCC in 2012]. Damien and me signed with each other out of high school. We were supposed to play with each other in 2010 but it never happened, so it kind of fell into place now. But I knew some of the kids from my signing class like Sharrif, Dominique [Easley], [Matt] Elam, Cody [Riggs] and all them boys.

Q: How did the year in junior college help your game?

A: Physically it didn't really help that much but mentally it did. I got a better understanding of the game and I became a student of the game. That helped a lot.

Q: When it came down to your decision, what was the biggest factor for Florida?

A: They had the resources and all the proper things that I need to get to the next level. And my mom liked it and she is not normally a Gator fan. I figured if she liked it, there must be something.

Q: How did becoming more of a student of the game help you in junior college?

A: At Florida State I was honestly just trying to see where I could fit in. I guess you could say I got a little frustrated and was just trying to make plays, but once I got to junior college, I realized more NFL scouts look at who plays their responsibilities and if you tend to play your responsibility, the play is going to come to you. I just had to realize that and develop myself as more of a student of the game. Instead of trying to be a know-it-all, just sit and listen and try to soak up everything.

Q: What would be a good start to your career here at Florida be in your eyes?

A: Getting into the rotation. That is something you always want to do. After that, I don't really have any personal goals other than just establishing myself and letting everybody know that our defensive line is going to be a force and I'm going to be a part of it.

Q: What is something about you people don't know?

A: I'm a real big Maroon 5 fan.

Q: What's the best day you ever had on a football field?

A: I would probably say when I was younger and my dad was coaching. I always liked the relationship my dad and me had and I always wanted to play for him. I got that opportunity when I was younger.

Q: Your position coach at UF is Bryant Young, who had a distinguished NFL career. How much do you know about him?

A: I knew that he played for the 49ers and I knew that he had a good NFL career. From what I have heard, I heard he could get me to the next level. People are always referring back to when he had Jaye Howard for a year when he first came in and how much Jaye Howard improved in that one year. I figure since I have two years I can make that big step just like he did. Also with [defensive line] coach [Brad] Lawing coming in, we have a good relationship from back when he was recruiting me at South Carolina.