The Florida Gators are trying to add offensive linemen to the class of 2023 as they need depth at the position and this weekend, they hosted several targets on campus this weekend.
Offensive lineman Morgan Freeling (6-7, 283, Mount Pleasant, SC. Oceanside Collegiate Academy) was on campus and enjoyed learning about the direction of the Gators program.
“This time around I really got to get a feel of Florida’s campus and the football program and where it’s headed,” Freeling said on what he liked about his Florida visit. “That was probably my biggest takeaway, just enjoying time with the players. I think coach Napier really has a good outlook on where he wants the program to go and every single coach I talked to says the same thing about coach Napier, he really knows where he wants to take this program.
This was the second time on campus for Freeling and this time and he was able to spend more time around the players and coaches.
“Just getting up here looking at Florida and enjoying Florida,” he said on what was different with this visit compared to the last one. “My first look here was during spring practice when there were new incoming players, so it was just about seeing players adjust and adapt to the intensity of practice here. I enjoy the intensity of practice because I know it’ll make the games easy. I really got to talk to the coaches more this visit and see what their plan is for me and what the plan is for the program and the future.
While on campus, Freeling was hosted by a fellow offensive lineman who tried to explain why he picked the Gators for college.
“Austin Barber was saying how he always wanted to go to Florida, he also said how no students being here over summertime doesn’t really do Florida justice about what the school is really about,” Freeling said on who his player host was. “The players are really buying into it and the coaches say the players really did when they got here.”
The Gators offer a unique perspective as they have two offensive line coaches and Freeling says he has enjoyed getting to know those two guys.
“I have relationships with 2 different coaches but they’re really doing the same job,” he said on his relationship with the coaches. “I really like Coach [Rob] Sale, he has a good resume. I like Coach [Darnell] Stapleton too, he’s a good guy. I think over this summer I really want to grow my relationship with them a lot more because I really do like Florida.”
Freeling also learned about all the guys that work with the offensive line at Florida and he believes that helps guys like himself.
“I guess they have five guys that work with the offensive line so I think it helps you get ready,” Freeling said on having a lot of guys working with the OL. “Efficiency wise I think developing with just one guy that’s just generic but if you have two coaches then you’re getting two times the coach and you’re also getting two different perspectives which helps.”
The offensive lineman says he’s still looking hard at seven schools but he will evaluate everyone in the next few weeks.
“It’s really just my top 7 still, I’ve been going on these official visits just kind of seeing where I fit with other schools,” he said on what’s next for his recruitment. “Right now, it’s all relatively still the same. Once this recruiting period ends, I’ll really have to get to the drawing board, and figure out all the pros and cons and what I learned during my officials.
Freeling does admit that the Gators helped themselves this weekend and will be in the mix until the end.
“I think this visit to Florida really helped me start to find out where I fit, conference and college-wise,” Freeling said on where Florida stands. “I can say Florida will be up there and play a part in the final decisions I will have to make; I only have Miami and they are my last official visit for the summer until the season. As for the other 2 official visits I’m not too sure yet.”
The Gators’ target says he doesn’t have a decision date in mind but he wants to wait and evaluate everyone.
“I think I’m just going to see through the season,” he said on when he wants to decide. “If I know then I’ll know, but as of right now with all these coaches’ changes, I’ve been saying that for a while, but it really is. All these coaches are different programs now and I want to try to get and get down here for a game as well as some other schools. But after this visit, I know that I want to come down for a game.