Several instate prospects have been on the receiving end of good news lately from the Florida Gators coaching staff.
2023 offensive lineman Clay Wedin (6-6, 275, Tampa, FL. Carrollwood Day) picked up an offer from offensive line coach John Hevesy last week.
“Coach Hevesy offered,” Wedin said on the coach from Florida who offered him. “When I called him we really just talked about things away from football and then he told me that I was offered.”
Wedin has a hard time remembering just what all Hevesy told him last week as the offensive lineman was glad to hear the news from the Gators.
“I was so excited, it’s a bit hard to remember,” he said on his reaction to the offer. “Being offered by Coach Hevesy and UF just made me want to say goodbye and go start training. It’s one of those offers that makes me wants to make sure I earn and one that I want Florida to be proud of for offering me.”
Hevesy did explain to Wedin what being a Gator means and what you have to do to be able to play in Florida’s program.
“Just to keep working and we talked about the Gator standard,” Wedin said on the message from Hevesy. “In the past I have really only been able to have brief discussions with him. I hope to keep talking with all of the staff in the future, especially the strength coaches.”
Wedin already knows several things about the Gators as the lineman has visited Gainesville a few times already.
“There is a lot to like,” he said on what he likes about Florida. “Everything from the academics, tradition, the area, the competitive culture, rabid fans and elite coaches. It’s all big time and is what I will consider when it comes time to decide.”
The 2023 offensive line also likes the way the Gators coaching staff coaches and he watched Hevesy’s coaching style closely.
“I’m by no means an expert but I like the way they adapt, they don’t mind putting anyone where it will help the team,” Wedin said on the coaching staff. “I have watched Coach Hevesy closely at Friday Night Lights and a couple games. I absolutely love his tough no nonsense approach, you can tell he coaches hard and the guys play hear hard for him. I don’t want a soft coach, I want them to push me and hold me and my teammates accountable.”
The Tampa native is no rush to narrow down his options as his family would like for him to explore all options first.
“Until I have a chance to start getting a clear picture on the schools that have offered me, I’m trying to keep an open mind,” he said on if he has any early leaders. “My parents really want me to explore and visit the schools as much as possible for now and that is the only legit way for me to get a sense on it feels.