Last weekend, several offensive linemen were in Gainesville to watch the Florida Gators practice and meet the coaching staff for the first time.
Offensive lineman Wilkin Formby (6-8, 300, Tuscaloosa, AL. Northridge) was one of those guys on campus and he was able to see the coaches in action.
“It was good, I got to stay for two days,” Formby said of his visit to Florida last weekend. “I got to see the coaches in the film room, seeing them breakdown film with the players and see how they coach the players and how they would coach me if I was playing.”
Formby has been talking with several coaches over the phone since they offered him last month, but he was happy to finally meet everyone last weekend.
“It was great to finally put a face with a name,” he said on meeting the coaches. “To see them in person and develop that relationship with them in person was great. I was impressed by them at practice, they really put a lot into it, they really care and they’re very enthusiastic at practice.”
Offensive line coach Rob Sale explained to Formby during the visit just where the Gators like him and why he’s a good fit.
“It’s very similar as other schools, wanting length and liking to see a 6-8 body on the field that’s an athlete,” Formby said of the message from the coaches. “Basically, what they said is they like me at tackle and my length.”
Head coach Billy Napier also spoke at length with Formby and the lineman believes in the plan that Napier shared.
“Basically, he was just introducing himself, we talked for a pretty good amount of time,” he said on the message from Napier. “Just the future for Florida and what they have to offer. I think he can accomplish that, he’s the kind of the guy that wants more renovations for recruiting and he’s upfront and he’s trying to develop the guys.”
After visiting Gainesville, Formby says he has interest in the Gators and wants to get back down to Florida to see everyone again.
“I’m very interested to get back and see the facilities,” Formby said of his interest in Florida. “I look forward to seeing what that looks like and I’m looking forward to developing that relationship with Coach Napier and the rest of the staff.”