The Florida Gators are still looking to add offensive linemen in the Class of 2022, but the coaching staff is already recruiting several 2023 prospects hard at the position.
2023 offensive lineman Payton Kirkland (6-5, 330, Orlando, FL. Dr. Phillips) is one of the top guys at his position for next year and he talks to the Gators a lot.
“I talk to Florida about once a week,” Kirkland said of his talks with Florida. “I mainly talk to Coach [John] Hevesy but sometimes I talk to Coach [Dan] Mullen.”
Offensive lineman John Hevesy has explained to Kirkland where the Gators see him fitting into the line if he was to pick Florida.
“Coach Hevesy sees me fitting in the offense,” he said on the message from Hevesy. “He sees me coming in as a guard and then moving to tackle.”
Hevesy and the rest of the coaching staff have also explained to Kirkland how big of a need he is for the Gators.
“I’m a priority for them and they’ll continue to recruit me,” Kirkland said on Hevesy explaining on big of a need he is to Florida. “I feel like they prioritize the instate guys.”
Head coach Dan Mullen talks with Kirkland about things off the field mainly and has explained to the 2023 prospect how things will change in his recruitment soon.
“They can’t wait to get me on campus,” he said on the message from Mullen. “He says after September 1st [the day coaches can start calling 2023 prospects] things might get hectic.”
Kirkland has visited Florida a few times already and he says he likes the scheme Dan Mullen runs in Gainesville.
“I’m very interested in Florida,” Kirkland said of his interest. “I like the offensive productivity they have had.”
Several other big name schools are also recruiting Kirkland hard as heads into his junior year of high school.
“Ohio State, Texas, and Texas A&M,” he said on other schools recruiting him hard. “Right now, I don’t have any visits planned.”