Mitchell likes Billy Napier’s winning past

The Florida Gators landed two highly regarded defensive backs in December, but the coaching staff is focused on adding to that haul in February.

Safety Miguel Mitchell (6-1, 205, Oxford, AL. High) picked up an offer from Florida last week after he talked to two Gators’ coaches.

“Coach [Patrick] Toney and Coach [Billy] Napier did,” Mitchell said on the coaches from Florida who offered him. “They just said that they needed more guys like me on their team.”

Head coach Billy Napier explained to Mitchell just how he would fit into Florida’s defense and why his game is different than others.

“He said they needed some bigger guys that can play multiple positions,” he said on the message from Napier. “He needs more guys that can do multiple things instead of being one dimensional because now days the game has changed. He thinks that I fit in with the system they’re bringing to Florida.”

Co-defensive coordinator Patrick Toney explained to Mitchell how he would be coached and why the Gators like his game.

“Pretty much the same thing but he’s going to be over the safeties, so we’ve been talking a little bit more,” Mitchell said on the message from Toney. “We’ve talking a lot of ball and he likes my IQ and that I’m a smart player. He said the safety is basically the quarterback of the defense.”

Mitchell picked up an offer from Louisiana last year so he knows the coaching staff has legit interest in him and not just like other big schools.

“I kind of like it, it’s late in the recruitment but since they offered me before [at ULL], it shows me that they’ve always been interested,” he said on his relationship with the coaching staff. “They aren’t like some schools where they just offer you because other top schools are offering you.”

The safety is very familiar with Napier and the coaching staff, and he believes big things are ahead for Florida under this staff.

“Everywhere they go they win,” Mitchell said on what he likes about the coaching staff. “I like the culture that Coach Napier brings wherever he goes and his mindset for how he likes to coach.”

Mitchell hasn’t visited Gainesville yet, but he does know a good bit about the Gators and his mom is particularly familiar with Florida.

“I’ve always known about Florida, my mom has always been a big Florida fan her whole life,” he said on what he knows about Florida. “I’ve always kept up with them and it always seems like they’re just one step away from being that team. I feel like Coach Napier can help that out a lot.”

Next up Mitchell will be a trip to Gainesville where he will be able to see Florida for himself and then he wants to make a decision at the end of the month.

“They’re my top school right now,” Mitchell said on where Florida stands in his recruitment. “I’m visiting them on the 14th. I take one to USC the very next weekend and then I’m going to decide on the 28th.”

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.