The offensive line position has been a big focus for the Florida Gators in the 2023 class as they look to build that position back up.
On Tuesday, offensive lineman Lucas Simmons (6-7, 300, Clearwater, FL. Clearwater Academy International) was on campus and met with two coaches.
“It was good, it was fun, to be honest,” Simmons said of his visit to Florida. “I really got a good feel for Coach [Rob] Sale and Coach [Darnell] Stapleton and the program in general. It didn’t disappoint me.”
This was the first time for Simmons to meet the coaches in person and he liked how the two offensive line coaches worked together on and off the field.
“They were basically how I thought they would be,” he said of his impressions of Sale and Stapleton. “They mix so well for two offensive line coaches to coach together. It was really reassuring to see how well they worked together. They gave the offensive line-specific detailed attention, and they have time to go through all the offensive line tape because they split it in half. Which I like.”
Sale and Stapleton also explained to Simmons that they have a big need for offensive tackles in this class and that Simmons fits that bill.
“They told me that they have a need for tackles,” Simmons said on where Florida sees him playing. “They don’t see me playing guard so to hear that they have a need for tackle is really good as well. They have two senior tackles leaving so they have a need.”
While watching practice, Simmons noticed just how detail-oriented the coaching staff was with their players.
“It was good,” he said on his impressions of practice. “That was a really detailed practice, I went with my coaches, and they were talking a long time about how it was one of the most detailed college practices that they’ve seen. They have a lot of coaches so you can see how much detail they put into everything. It’s really good.”
After the visit, Simmons had nothing but good things to say about the Gators and he says he knows what Florida has to offer.
“It was good, so far I’ve felt good about Florida,” Simmons said on his interest in Florida. “Stapleton, Sale and Coach Napier have all talked to me and that has gone well. I’ve seen two games, so I know the atmosphere is crazy.”