On Saturday, the Florida Gators offered two new offensive linemen for the 2022 class after the camp season ended for the coaching staff for the month of June.
Offensive lineman Preston Cushman (6-5, 285, Clearwater, FL. Calvary Christian) picked up an offer after he talked to his future potential position coach.
“I talked to Coach Hev [John Hevesy], he actually called my parents before me, I wasn’t able to hop on the phone immediately, but he called me later in the day and offered me,” Cushman said of his offer on Saturday. “I worked out for them last week, we started off with some measurables and then camp stuff. Coach [Dan] Mullen watched the whole time, and I pretty much did all of the drills with Coach Hevesy.”
Cushman was happy to receive the offer from the Gators on Saturday because of the program but also because of what Hevesy has accomplished in his career.
“The emotions were very high, they’re the best in state team right now, amazing program,” he said on what the offer means to him. “Coaching wise, Coach Hevesy’s player development is insane to get you to go play at the next level. It means a lot for this in state school to believe in me because I do not have every SEC offer. It really means a lot and I know the whole family was very excited.”
Offensive line coach John Hevesy explained to Cushman on Saturday where the lineman could play at if he chooses Florida for college.
“It really depends on what my body is able to grow into,” Cushman said on where Hevesy wants him to play. “With my length and athleticism, I will be able to play the tackle position but at the next level it depends on how my body grows, I could be an inside guy. They love that I play all five positions in high school that versatility is something that I bring to the table.”
Cushman and his family were impressed by the Gators coaching staff but head coach Dan Mullen’s character and family atmosphere is something that stood out to the lineman.
“First impressions of Coach Mullen, he talked to my parents before he talked to me, but I was able to have a meeting with him and Coach Mullen is really down to earth, he’s the man,” he said on his impressions of the coaching staff. “Coach Hev, he’s very straight forward, he pushes his guys. He’s a great dude, hard coach but he gets it done. I think the word straight forward and bold is my impression of him.”
The Gators are one of the top offers for Cushman, but he admits that he needs to continue to build a better relationship with Florida as his decision will be based off of relationships.
“Right now, I don’t have a great relationship with all of the coaches because it just started but they checked all of the boxes, great football, it’s two hours away from home so interest level is high,” Cushman said. “Ole Miss one of my other SEC offers, I have been talking to them a lot, I would say Florida is right there behind them, but I don’t have any top schools or top five. I would say Ole Miss because of my relationship with their offensive line coach puts them a little ahead at this moment.”
Next up for Cushman will most likely be a commitment as the lineman knows that scholarship offers are limited for most schools.
“Timeline is that we really want to get this done with before my senior season,” he said on when he may commit. “I would love to take official visits but I’m trying to get stuff done because roster spots do fill up.”