On Thursday, the Florida Gators hosted one of the top prospects on their recruiting board and an important need for the class.
Offensive lineman Payton Kirkland (6-6, 345, Orlando, FL. Dr. Phillips) was on campus for the second time this spring.
“It was great, I definitely got a good feel for the program today [Thursday],” Kirkland said of his visit to Florida. “I got to interact with the players today and see how the coaches work with the players hands-on.”
Kirkland was also able to watch practice and see how offensive line coaches Rob Sale and Darnell Stapleton coach the position.
“I watched practice too, practice was great,” he said. “I got to really see how they taught things when comes down to teaching the players and seen how the players react to it. They’re very different offensive line coaches, it’s very peaceful but they take the time one-on-one to go rep by rep.”
Sale and Stapleton spoke at length with Kirkland on Thursday about why he’s an important piece to the class.
“They want me to be a class leader,” Kirkland said on the message from Rob Sale and Darnell Stapleton. “They really believe in me, my talent, skillset, and my mindset. They project me at tackle.”
Head coach Billy Napier also spoke with Kirkland and explained just how bad the Gators want him in Gainesville.
“We talked a little bit,” he said on his talks with Napier. “It was pretty much the same message as the other coaches, not too much different. He just wants me and wants me to be a class leader.”
Next up for Kirkland will be official visits as the offensive lineman plans to announce his decision in June.
“I’m taking all five of my official visits in June,” Kirkland said on what’s next for him. “I’m taking them to my top five schools [Alabama, Florida, Michigan State, Miami, and Oklahoma]. June 9th-11th I will be at Florida.”