Without a head coach, recruiting has taken a back seat for the Florida Gators, which made Saturday’s game against Florida State a less than productive day for bringing in recruits.
Still the Gators were able to get some big targets on campus including offensive lineman William Barnes (6-4, 312, Apopka, FL. High) who describes Florida as a place he likes both on and off the football field.
“It’s just the campus, the people, and the football here makes this a great place to be and it’s always good,” Barnes said on why he likes Florida. “The players never quit no matter the situation no matter the outcome. I like that.”
One thing that Barnes is keeping an eye on is whether or not offensive line coach Brad Davis stays on staff as he will play a big part in the lineman’s recruitment.
“It’s pretty crucial just from chilling with him a little bit and he is a real great coach and I really want to stay in contact with him,” he said on Florida keeping Brad Davis. “I think it would be crucial for him being here. Him being good would change things a little bit but I will still take my official here and I still really like the school.”
Barnes himself has stayed off of social media a lot since Jim McElwain’s firing and he says he’s not paying too much attention to things.
“I don’t really keep up with it all that much,” Barnes said on the coaching rumors. “I just try to keep to myself and look around for myself and talk with my family about it. That is really it.”
One name that Barnes is watching is UCF coach Scott Frost and he says that would be a big get for the Gators.
“That would be big for Florida and that would be big in the recruitment of other people too, definitely on me,” he said on if Frost comes to Florida. “Scott Frost had a big season this year so him coming to Florida would be spectacular. I think he would be a real good fit here.”
Barnes has had the chance to talk to and meet Frost and he described why he’s high on the UCF coach.
“He is one of the younger coaches out there and he is a really cool guy and I talked to him before when I was kind of low on offers,” Barnes said on why he likes Frost. “But seeing him come somewhere like here would be good for the program.”
Next up for Barnes is several visits to other schools as he waits on the Gators to hire a coach.
“North Carolina is set for January,” he said on visits. “Possible visit to Auburn, maybe Georgia, and maybe Clemson to throw them in there since I haven’t been up there a lot.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Florida will still be a school that Barnes looks out at down the stretch and North Carolina will likely be the Gators biggest competition.