Smith enjoys Florida Gators spring practice

The Florida Gators had several of their top targets on campus on Saturday for the second junior day and that included a few guys at positions of need.

Defensive tackle Timothy Smith (6-4, 340, Sebastian, FL. River) was on campus for the first time this year and he was able to watch practice and talk to several coaches.

“The practice was pretty good, I liked practice,” Smith said of his visit to Florida on Saturday. “Coach [David] Turner text me a lot so our relationship is strong. Coach [Greg] Knox and Coach [Dan] Mullen too.”

Defensive line coach David Turner has made it a priority to build a relationship with Smith and the defensive tackle says so far things are going good.

“Good, he’s just building a relationship with my parents and me right now,” he said of his relationship with Turner. “Just checking in on me and telling me that he wants me. That’s basically about it.”

The defensive tackle has been a top target for the Gators for awhile now and Smith says he gets that impression from talking with Mullen.

“From just talking to Coach Mullen, I’m a top priority for them,” he said on if he feels likes a priority to Florida. “You just have to put in the work to remain a top priority.”

Smith is no stranger to Gainesville as he has been on campus several times in the past and he says he likes a few things about Florida.

“This is my fourth time to visit, the first time was for a track meet, then a camp, then for a camp and now,” Smith said of his visits to Florida. “I like the campus, everything just looks nice. I like the statues and the lobby.”

The Gators have shown Smith that they have a big need for him in Gainesville but he isn’t ready to name any leaders but does have a lot of interest in the Gators.

“I’m just keeping my options open,” he said on if he has any leaders. “I love the Gators, it’s close to home and all of that but I’m just keeping my options open.”

Despite not wanting to name any leaders, Smith says two schools are recruiting him the hardest right now.

“Georgia and Florida them two are at the top right now,” Smith said on schools recruiting him hard. “Just the communication and talking to me everyday.”

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.