When the Florida Gators took on the LSU Tigers in the Swamp two weeks ago, the south endzone was full of recruits.
2024 defensive end Elijah Rushing (6-6, 235, Tucson, AZ. Salpointe Catholic) was on campus and enjoyed seeing the game in person.
“The atmosphere was different, and it was great seeing the defense up close,” Rushing said of his visit to Florida for the LSU game. “TV is sometimes hard to keep up with but now you have them right in your face. I loved what I saw.”
Rushing was told to watch how Brenton Cox played during the game and the 2024 defensive end liked how the defense line played against LSU.
“I definitely love the four fronts,” he said on what he likes about the defense. “I see their playmakers at defensive end, they were able to get in there and make the plays from that wide 9 position so that’s something that really piqued my interest with my abilities kind of mirroring those guys.”
The Gators have been in constant contact with Rushing since they were able to start calling in September and the 2024 prospect feels wanted by Florida.
“Definitely all love,” Rushing said on his relationship with the coaches. “That has never lacked, my brother being here, it has always been all love and it’s something I appreciate.”
Outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson has been the main contact for Rushing and the defensive end likes the Gators’ coach.
“Coach Peterson,” he said on the coach he talks to mainly,” He’s a straight shooter, honest guy and just a good dude. You can tell he knows defense and has knowledge of the game. That’s something I value.”
Rushing has been on campus three times already and he likes the feeling he gets when on campus.
“First thing is when I got here, it’s that home feel,” Rushing said on what he likes about Florida. “It just kind of felt like home. It’s definitely something I think about [having his dad as a UF alum and his brother on the team at UF] but it’s something that I try to not make it the reason I’m looking here. I’m looking here at how it’s going to benefit me because they made their decision and it’s time for me to make my decision.”