The Florida Gators have a longstanding relationship with a quarterback destined to be a star (or five) in the 2020 class. Harrison Bailey (6-4, 214, Marietta, Ga., Marietta) made the trip down to Gainesville last weekend to compete in Florida’s Sensational Sophomore Night and Friday Night Lights.
Bailey has had high interest in Florida from the beginning, as a lifelong Gators fan despite growing up in the state of Georgia. While the pro-style quarterback impressed at camp with his arm strength and pinpoint accuracy, Florida impressed him with the outstanding event it put on once again.
“The coaching staff and The Swamp, of course,” he said of why he likes Florida. “There’s really no other event like this where you’re under the lights throwing to the top recruits, so that’s why I keep coming back.”
Head coach Jim McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier have been recruiting Bailey since he was in middle school, and over the last two years they have created a solid relationship.
“Building it strong,” Bailey said on his relationship with the coaches. “Very comfortable with both of them.”
“When they offered me, they really preached on relationship,” he continued. “And I’ve gone down here a couple times and talked to them. They both love me and I love them.”
As far as a message to Bailey, Florida is telling him that he needs to get in on the 2020 class early and build a strong foundation around him. Much like Matt Corral is doing now after committing only a few short days ago.
With Corral’s commitment, it looks as though the Gators are finally headed back in the right direction at the position, but coming in and battling with other highly touted quarterbacks is not something Bailey is afraid of.
“I mean I really wouldn’t care who they recruit,” said Bailey. “Because I love competing and playing against other quarterbacks.”
Bailey threw for 2,812 yards and 21 touchdowns as a freshman last season, and as he enters his sophomore year, schools are all over him. He currently holds offers from 17 schools and he said Clemson (despite not having and offer yet) and North Carolina are in the mix with Florida right now as the schools recruiting him the hardest.
As of now, Bailey plans to take a little more time in his recruiting process, but he doesn’t want to wait it out too long. He wants to have plenty of time to recruit for the school he chooses.
“I would like to by this time next year,” he said of his commitment timeline. “So I can start building a good class around me.”
Bailey said he will have to see about making it back for a game this fall, but he likely won’t stay away from Gainesville for too long.