The Florida Gators recruiting class is shaping up nicely in 2017 with the exception of the offensive line position, but the Gators are putting the focus on that.
Last Thursday the Gators sent coaches including head coach Jim McElwain down to see Miami offensive line commit Navaughn Donaldson (6-5, 335, Miami, FL. Central) in person.
“Both Coach [Randy] Shannon and Coach [Jim] McElwain came by on Thursday,” Donaldson said. “It was good, they got to talk to my coaches. They told me to call them that night so I did.”
Since the Gators were not able to speak with Donaldson in person, they spoke over the phone and even added two more visitors to the call.
“It went pretty good, they got to talk to my parents too,” he said of the phone call on Thursday. “They liked it, they liked Coach McElwain a lot and they say they’re looking forward to visiting Florida. They liked what he had to say.”
McElwain, offensive line coach Mike Summers and Shannon have all made sure to let Donaldson know that he’s not only wanted but needed in Gainesville.
“They tell me that they love the way I play on the offensive line,” Donaldson said of Florida’s message. “They tell me that I can come in and get a chance to start as a freshman. Coach Shannon also tells me that Gainesville is a nice town and that I will get a good education there.”
The Miami commit last visited Florida during the summer but Donaldson admits that his relationship with the Gators is going well.
“I have a pretty good relationship with Florida,” he said. “I’m going to continue to look at them and I know they have a need for me there. I see a chance to play early there.”
For Florida, the key is also helping make Donaldson’s parents feel comfortable with Gainesville and so far so good.
“My parents like Florida too,” Donaldson said. “They liked the way coach talked about education and stuff. They like it and they like the fact that Coach Shannon is from down here.”
The Gators are pushing up against the clock in hopes of flipping the offensive lineman but Florida will get a visit in the next few weeks.
“I’m early enrolling in January,” Donaldson said. “Right now, I’m in the mix of scheduling my visits but I know that I’m visiting Florida for the South Carolina game. It will be my official visit. I’m going to officially visit Florida State, USC and North Carolina too. I’m not taking one to Miami.”
Donaldson has been committed to Miami for over a year now but the lineman admits he’s leaving the door open to other schools.
“I’m not sure when I’ll make a final decision but it will be before I graduate,” he said. “I’m still committed but I’m still looking around so yeah.”
INSIDERS TAKE: The Gators have been the team on the heels of Miami for some time now but it does seem that Donaldson is leaving the door cracked a little bit. Florida needs a good visit with the parents because they’re the key decision maker for Donaldson.