On Wednesday just the Florida Gators pulled in two big signees while going up against the Georgia Bulldogs on Billy Napier’s first signing day in Gainesville.
Linebacker Shemar James (6-2, 212, Mobile, AL. Faith Academy) signed with the Gators over the Bulldogs and he credits Gainesville for being the difference.
“It was just the environment there,” James said. “I felt love every time I went there. The new coaching staff. I like them. I feel like they can develop me for the next level.”
James admits it wasn’t an easy decision, but it ultimately came down to where the linebacker was most comfortable at.
“I was, Georgia or Alabama,” he said on other places he considered. “It was a very tough decision. I just felt comfortable, I put the most trust in them [Florida] and where I could spend the next three to four years. I’m happy.”
Billy Napier and co-defensive coordinator Patrick Toney broke down the defense for James multiple times this week and explained where the linebacker would play.
“I will be playing Will linebacker,” James said on where Florida wants him to play. “I think it’s a good fit.”
Toney was a big reason as to why James signed with Florida and the linebacker likes Toney’s defensive scheme.
“Coach Toney is a great defensive coordinator,” he said. “He believes in blitzing his guys a lot, he runs a great scheme they ran one at UL and I put my trust in him to get me to the next level.”
On Wednesday, Toney was mentioned by several prospects and James explained what makes the new assistant coach a good recruiter.
“Just his honesty and vibe,” James said on what makes Toney a good recruiter. “And just his past success at UL.”
Napier was also a big key in James signing with the Gators and the linebacker liked that the new head coach believed in his game.
“I clicked with him in the beginning,” James said on Napier. “Just his honesty, it really just stood out that he told me I could sign in this early signing period. He told other guys they couldn’t. He believed in me, and he watched my film.”
Kamari Wilson joined James by signing with the Gators over the Bulldogs and the Mobile native believes that duo can accomplish a lot.
“Big future,” he said on Florida’s success on early signing day. “I feel like me and Kamari can come in and get it done. I just feel good about this class and this coming year.”