New Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier hit the road for the first time as head coach of the Gators on Monday and he visited several prospects in the state of Louisiana.
Running back Trevor Etienne (5-10, 200, Jennings, LA. High) was the first stop of the day for Napier and the visit went well according to the back.
“It was great,” Etienne said on Florida visiting him on Monday. “He showed me that I’m a top prospect on their list and a top recruit to them.”
Napier explained to Etienne how he would fit into his offense and how he could help the Gators out if he came to Florida.
“He said I’m a great back in the type of offense he wants to run,” he said on the message from Napier on Monday. “He says that I can help the team out in so many different ways. He said they want to have three backs in his offense to stay fresh and healthy.”
New running backs coach Jabbar Juluke joined Napier with Etienne on Monday and the two already have a relationship dating back a few years.
“I know a little bit about them because I talked to them before,” Etienne said on what he knows about Napier and Juluke. “Coach Jabbar recruited my brother, so I know a little bit about him.”
Etienne has consistently called Florida one of his top schools and he says that hasn’t changed with Napier now in Gainesville.
“Definitely, they’re one of my top schools,” he said on his interest in Florida now. “I never based my decision on the coaches, I based off the culture, the area and the atmosphere. I loved the atmosphere at Florida, it’s like no other.”
The running back says knowing Napier and Juluke helps make the transition from one coach to another easier for him with Florida.
“Yeah, it provided a little comfort,” Etienne said on if his relationship with Napier helps Florida stay high for him. “I’m not going in there blind wondering who the coach is going to be so knowing him, is just one less thing that I have to worry about.”
Etienne doesn’t plan to sign until February and he says he will take an official visit to Gainesville next month.
“In January when things open back up,” he said on when he will visit Florida. “I’m going to Clemson this weekend and I’m probably going to set one up to LSU.”