Throughout the last decade, this football program has seen several young talents enroll early and have an immediate impact on the field because of it. This past season, freshman wide receiver Eugene Wilson did the exact opposite and still thrived after missing all of Florida’s spring camp with the early enrollees of the 2023 class.
The decision to not enroll early can hurt a player in some ways, but that all depends on what position they play on either side of the football and how physically ready they may be. Standing at 6’3, 230 pounds, being physically ready to play and make an impact is something Aaron Chiles and Austin Armstrong aren’t worried about in 2024.
“Of course. I tried to enroll early but my school doesn’t allow me. So, I talked to Coach Armstrong, and he said he will keep me up to speed and up to date,” Chiles said. “I’m a smart kid so he’s not really worried about me learning the playbook or anything like that and he thinks I’ll be fine. I asked him how much did he need me to come early and he said not that much. He feels like I can pick up on it.”
The four-star linebacker and No. 1 player in Maryland is a smart player with a very high football IQ that can lead that linebacker group in ways that others can’t. Being able to get a head start with picking up the playbook before stepping on campus will only make Chiles more prepared to make big plays next season.
In his junior and senior seasons, Chiles recorded 76 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks and one fumble recovery.
“I feel like physically I’m up to par and one of the more bigger linebackers they have so I feel like physically that’s not the issue with me,” Chiles said. “It’s just being able to retain the information and the playbook as I’m not there doing it and being able to get those mental reps. That’s what is big for me. Physically I feel like I’m good right now.”
In high school, Chiles’ play style was very similar to how we see Florida use their outside guys. Depending on the situation at hand, we could see the freshman linebacker line up in multiple spots on the field next season.
“So, talking to Coach Armstrong, another thing was the opportunity for me to make plays. He’s willing to put me in position to make plays,” Chiles said. “So, we’re talking on first or second down I could be in the box, while on third down I’m rushing the passer. He said similar to how Scooby Williams plays that position and being flexible and that’s what I’m looking for.”
Leading up to the close win against South Carolina in October, the Gators were said to have played a total of 11 freshmen in every game with four of those freshmen making the All-Freshmen SEC team. The big thing for Chiles was the opportunity, and he feels like he has his opportunity as a Gator despite enrolling in the summer.
“Going throughout this decision and making my commitment, the big thing for me was who wanted me the most. I felt like with Florida, it wasn’t a want, it was more of a need,” Chiles said. “So when they were telling me how much they needed me and calling me every day and building a relationship with my family, that stuff showed they needed me at that position. Coach Armstrong said if I’m ready that he’s willing to play me, as they had four Freshmen All-American SEC players. That goes to show that if you’re ready, you’re going to play early.”
Aaron Chiles joins Jadan Baugh and Amir Jackson as the 2024 signees that won’t make it to campus until June of next year. Every other player in the class including DJ Lagway, Myles Graham and LJ McCray will be enrolling early in January.