Patience is a virtue and one that Nate Craig-Myers (6’2”, 205, Tampa Catholic) extols in his high profile recruitment.
The nations top wide receiver recruit was committed to Auburn University until this past May when he opened back up his recruitment with the explanation of wanting to give other schools a chance to recruit him.
That has the potential to sound cocky but Craig-Myers comes off as anything but. Understanding that he is highly sought after by offensive coordinators all over the country, the Tampa native is taking his time, getting a feel for all of the schools and then choosing the best fit for himself. Being one of the most wanted high school prospects in the country means that, even while Craig-Myers is taking things slow, schools are banging down his door hoping to get noticed. Waiting patiently and biding their time though are the Gators and Nate is taking notice.
“You know I really like coaches giving me my time without pressuring me. I really felt good that [Florida] really was laying back. But we still talk a lot, but just giving me time for myself and giving me time to go out and visit other schools.”
Giving him a tether back to Gainesville is receivers coach Kerry Dixon, who Craig-Myers says he talks to the most.
Coach McElwain keeps in touch as well while setting the tone for that patient mood, with the same message to Nate. “He’s just telling me to take my time really, just come be a great Gator.”
Exchange the football uniform for a prom dress and you’ve got the good makings of a John Hughes movie.
Back in May when Craig-Myers withdrew his commitment from Auburn, the Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers were there with a bouquet of flowers ready for their second chance to take the prettiest girl in school to the dance.
Both schools were elated at the possibility of recruiting Craig-Myers more heavily and their excitement, according to Nate, was pretty level with just a bit more coming from Florida. Of the moment, Craig-Myers said, “I probably think [Florida] was jumping up and down. I talked to them right after I decommitted, [and] when Coach McElwain got hired, he came and saw me the next day, they just really excited.”
Now the plot thickens. The Florida Gators have expressed their feelings; Craig-Myers is interested, but wants to weigh his options. And as he draws closer and closer to the Gators, McElwain and company are keeping their cool, not pressuring and letting Nate just naturally find his way to Gainesville—which he has been doing more and more often of late.
In the three home games so far, Craig-Myers has already found his way to two with plans for more.
It feels like you’re just able to be yourself around the Gators.
His brother, cornerback Jayvaughn Myers, has already decided that Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will be his home come college. While the two insist that attending the same school isn’t crucial, Nate has steadily been making himself more and more comfortable around The Swamp.
“No doubt, I feel comfortable. We went to go see the indoor [practice facility] and I just lay out on the field. It feels like you’re just able to be yourself around the Gators.”
From there, Craig-Myers made his way over the stadium for what turned out to be an instant classic between two teams who hope to have the wide receiver recruit in their uniforms come next year’s matchup.
“I wouldn’t say they’re the top two, [but] they’re definitely schools that I’m looking at. That’s really why I wanted to come back to see those two guys play against each other.”
He was there with a Florida lanyard around his neck though and as the atmosphere inched closer and closer towards manic, Craig-Myers saw glimpses of a future in orange and blue.
“Atmosphere—definitely be at the top of the list. Seeing the all blue, can’t get no better than that… In recruiting, you just love games like this. Seeing teams you came to watch, down and finding a way to come out with a victory. It just really shows what you’re future might be coming and playing with your teammates.”
And as the combo of redshirt freshman quarterback Will Grier and true freshman wide receiver Antonio Callaway teamed up for the game winning touchdown, this high school senior watching from right behind the endzone realized that the promises Florida Gators coaches had been making of immediate playing time where more than just empty words.
“Just what they’ve been doing since they started the season, finding a way to get their playmakers the ball. Really just finding a way to win… I can definitely see myself coming in and producing.”
It’s still a long time between now and January though, and that’ the earliest Craig-Myers says he’ll commit now. During that time he’ll take his five official visits with the approach of traveling out of the state of Florida for all of them.
Back home in the Sunshine State, the University of Miami Hurricanes are contacting Nate “heavily.” Then in the center of the state sits the Florida Gators, patiently waiting this fall while Nate Craig-Myers spreads his wings at college football stadiums all over the country, and banking on the fact that come next football season, he’ll have found his way home to Gainesville.