Stop me if you have heard this before, the Florida Gators are in huge need of linebackers in the class of 2016 after only signing one in 2015.
Well the good news is that this staff is aware of the problem and are after some top guys including JUCO FSU linebacker commit Tyree Horton (6-1, 225, Highland, KS Highland C.C) who received good news from Florida last week.
“Florida offered me last Thursday, it was Randy Shannon that offered,” Horton said. “He said that he wanted to offer me a scholarship and that he wants me to get down there for a visit so we can talk more.”
Shannon and Horton didn’t have a long talk on Thursday but the message was very clear about how the South Dade native was needed in Gainesville.
“He said that I would fit in real well with the guys there and that he wished that I come down there and play now,” Horton said. “He said that he was going to wait on me to come out in December and then we would get things rolling. He wants me to start out at in the middle but whatever I feel comfortable playing is what he said I would play.”
The JUCO linebacker has never met Shannon before he admitted that he knows quite a bit about the former Hurricanes head coach.
“I know a lot about coach Shannon being from Miami,” Horton said. “We got a real good relationship with each other and we talk a good bit. I’m ready to get down there and meet him.”
Florida not only has several coaches recruiting Horton hard they also have sophomore receiver C.J. Worton a former high school teammate of Horton’s recruiting him hard.
“C.J. is pushing me real hard to come down there to Florida and play with him,” Horton said. “C.J. is my best friend and we have always played ball together so it would be nice.”
One other key selling point for Florida is that Horton grew up pulling for the team in the Orange and Blue but he admits that he’s still committed to Florida State despite his love for Florida.
“Florida was my dream school since I was little,” Horton said. “I’ve got a lot of time to go in my recruitment and I still have my recruitment open so we will see what happens. I’m listening to Florida right now.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Horton’s friendship with Worton will help Florida a ton but also the need for linebackers is a big help. The Gators just need to have a good visit with Horton whenever he visits this summer.