The Florida Gators coaching staff has been staying busy during the dead period with multiple virtual visits on a daily basis with players in all classes.
Last week 2023 offensive lineman TJ Shanahan (6-5, 300, Orlando, FL. Timber Creek) was one of those on visit and he enjoyed his time with Dan Mullen and the staff.
“It was really good, it made me feel like I was there in person,” Shanahan said of his virtual visit. “They did a great job of showing the campus and describing campus life to me. What stood out to me was how interested the coaches are in player development.”
Strength and conditioning coach Nick Savage spoke at length with Shanahan about how his staff can help prepare Shanahan for the field.
“Coach Savage, he’s a very cool guy and after speaking with him I can tell he’s very involved and really cares about his players,” he said on his talks with Savage. “I like the fact that he went in depth about full body training and conditioning.”
Offensive line coach John Hevesy also spoke with Shanahan during the visit and expressed a big need for the lineman and the desire to get him on campus.
“I talked to Coach Mullen and Coach Hevesy too,” Shanahan said on the other coaches he talked too. “Coach Hevesy said that I’m a top priority for the 2023 class and when everything clears up he wants to get me and my family on campus and ultimately for a game in the Swamp.”
Mullen spent a lot of time getting to know Shanahan and his family on the visit and made sure to let the lineman know he was wanted.
“He welcomed us to the virtual tour and said he can’t wait to have me and my family on campus,” he said of the message from Mullen. “His main thing is just getting us on campus and meeting everyone.”
Shanahan has several connections to the program and he says his interest is high in the Gators because of several reasons.
“I’m very interested in the University of Florida,” Shanahan said. “I just like how they have always been a top level program and a national championship caliber team.”