Linebacker signee Aaron Chiles will join Myles Graham this week in Orlando as linebackers for Team Fire in the Under Armour All-American game as they represent the University of Florida.
Chiles was a guy that wasn’t talked about a lot during his recruiting process because he stayed solid with his commitment to Florida after committing in the summer before his senior year.
Despite Chiles never taking visits to other schools, several other schools kept trying to get him on campus, but he says he gave his word to Florida when he committed and didn’t want to waiver with that commitment.
“For me personally, I was just focused on myself throughout the journey. Of course, once I committed there were still schools coming for me, but one big thing I believe in is loyalty, staying loyal, and staying true to what you did,” Chiles said on sticking with Florida despite others coming at him. “So, I was 100% committed throughout the way. You know, I committed for the following reasons, Billy Napier, the school is amazing and the academics, it’s still a great fit for me.”
Chiles committed to Florida during his official visit to Gainesville, but it was a visit two years ago that set the Gators up to land the Maryland linebacker.
“I think it was my junior year, my first visit there,” he said on when he knew Florida was the place for him. “It was an unofficial visit, and I was telling my parents that I wanted to commit on the spot, and they said to wait. So, it’s really been the place for me, the people of course, I built a great relationship with them. You know, Coach Napier and the people I’m going to be around next year, the education aspect of course. Plus, the opportunity for me is really what it was, I’m good with my decision.”
The day after signing day, Chiles found out that his future position coach Jay Bateman was leaving Florida and while it was a surprise to the linebacker, he also understands that it happens in college football.
“I understand, you know, going into this process people told me it’s a business,” Chiles said on Bateman leaving UF the day after signing day. “Of course, I built a relationship with my position coach. At the end of the day, it’s a business, I don’t believe one coach leaving should change anything. I didn’t go there for the coach I went there because of the school. Him leaving was tough, but it’s a business at the end of the day and he has to do what’s best for his family, so I respect it.”
Billy Napier and defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong have spoken with Chiles about who could replace Bateman and the Maryland native is familiar with the guys mentioned.
“They mentioned a couple names, Jamar Chaney, Chris Partridge and George Helow. If all else fails, Coach Armstrong said if anything he will just fill into the role, so it’s cool with me,” he said on what Florida has told him about the next linebacker coach. “I’ve had a good relationship with them all. Throughout the entire recruiting process Chris Partridge was at Michigan when I was leaning towards them. George Helow was there before him, so I’ve met with both of those guys as well as Jamar Chaney. When I first came here, I talked to him all the time and still do till this day.”
No matter who’s hired as the linebacker coach, the scheme will stay the same and it’s a scheme that Chiles believes in.
“I believe in the scheme a lot; I feel like it’s still early for this coaching staff,” Chiles said on his thoughts on the defensive scheme. “I think our recruiting class was like their first real recruiting class. So, I believe in the process and not being too quick to judge. Recruiting guys like me, Myles and the other guys, I feel like putting athletes in those positions will make a real difference.”
When Chiles arrives on campus in June, the linebacker knows what he needs to help change in the locker room to help get the Gators back on top.
“I feel like it’s the willingness to win and not being content with losing and just wanting to win more,” he said on what needs to change at Florida. “I feel like leadership is a big thing. But yeah, just wanting to win more and not being okay with losing over and over again.”