NFTC: Player Quotes
At the Nike Football Training Camp, you run into two types of players – those who are used to interviews and those who are experiencing their first time in the spotlight.
What did some of the top prospects at the event have to say about themselves, what they learned, and about where they stand in the process?
Wide Receiver Ryan Sousa
On the day: “They said I did really well. I need to fix a little bit on my route running. But said, I had good speed, good vertical, good build. I had speed.”
Where he is looking: “I am looking at everywhere. No favorites right now. I am going to try to take a couple of visits this summer. My head coach takes care of that.”
On Florida: “I haven’t head from Florida, but I am hopefully looking forward to hearing from them.”
Defensive Back Jy’Quis Thomas
On the day: “Felt good to compete against the talent out here. Coaches told me it was between me and Kyle (Gibson) for MVP award.”
On Florida visit: “When I went to the visit yesterday, they showed me a lot of love. They are going to come down to my school this spring and check me out more. I met with Coach (Travaris) Robinson, and my recruiting coach, Coach (Derek) Lewis.”
Where else he is looking at: “Going to head down Miami (FL) and FAU next week. Then next week going to Louisville and Notre Dame.”
On if Florida is his favorite: “Yes.”
Wide Receiver Artavis Scott
On the day: “I had fun. I had fun competing with everyone. I was just blessed to come out here and compete.
On his motivation: “Seeing these coaches, wide receivers, and defensive backs, I wanted to work toward making it to “The Opening. I wanted to go out and give it my all and do my best.”
On visits this spring: “I am going to make it my mission to head to all my Florida schools.”On his favorites: “Nah, none right now.”
When to expect a decision: “If not during my season, then probably the Army (All-American) game.”
Defensive Back Duke Dawson
On the day: “Day went good. I train a lot with my brother and coach Ratliff, so I knew the drills and came out here to compete. They had their plays, and I had mine and at the end of the day, I came out on top.”
Summer plans: “I got invited to “The Opening” and play on Top Recruits 7-on-7.”
On D.J. Durkin: “He is a great guy. He will have the defensive right.”
When will he next visit Florida: “Monday”
Defensive Back Kyle Gibson
On his day: “It was a great day. I’ve been preparing for this and trying to get my invite to “The Opening” and it paid off. I just wanted to come out and listen to the coaches and work on my technique.”
Summer plans: “I will be visiting Louisville and Notre Dame are planned already.”
On if those are his two favorites: “No, not necessarily. Just the schools I am in most contact with.”
Wide Receiver George Campbell
On his day: “It was a pretty good day. Came out and got a 106 on the SPARQ rating. Pretty much came out and competed with the top players in the country.”
On what he learned today: “Getting off the ball and learned how to stack better. I learned a lot.”
Summer plans: “Sit down and talk to my coaches and teammates and see where to go from there. No real plans yet.”
On wearing University of Michigan gloves: “It’s just a style. I love the colors, but it means nothing. Every school as an opportunity to get me.”
On his decision: “I want to make it before senior year, so I don’t have to worry about it and can just focus on playing football.”
On what he is looking for in a school: “Academics, mainly, because I want to graduate. Coaches and the environment. I want to play in a place where I love the environment.”
Offensive Lineman Denzel Ward
On his Gator hat: “I just announced the Florida Gators as my leader today, so I just wanted to show out.”
On his day: “I just wanted to see my big improvements since coming to IMG. I’ve gained 12 pounds, I went down in my 40 (yard dash) two ticks and to compete against great talent. I actually competed against a guy from Florida State in my first rep.”
On when he will make a decision: “Not really thinking anytime soon. I’m thinking early December, I want to make all my visits first.”
On summer plans: “Just really training. Going to get back to Chicago. I’m going to go look at some Midwest schools like Oklahoma and Ohio State.”
On what he learned today: “Just stand my ground and always be the best out there.”
Defensive lineman Dontriel Perry
On his day: “It went well. I learned new stuff. I learned to have more patience, picked up some new moves, and techniques.”
On summer plans: “I’m going to three camps: USF, UCF, and Down-and-Dirty. I’ll also make it to Florida.”
Summer plans: “Adding thirty pounds. I’m going to live in the weight room.”
Offensive lineman Montel McBride
On winning MVP award: “Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it. I’m just happy and wasn’t expecting it to be this fun and this crazy.”
On his day: “I was just working. I know a lot of the footwork was very different than what I was used to and I just tried to grind it out.”
On position at the next level: “I’m open for both sides of the ball depending on where the school needs me. No matter what it is, I am not a quote-unquote athlete, but I’m just a physical guy.”
On what schools are standing out: “My number one is tied between Florida State, USF and UCF. I haven’t gotten a chance to make it up to Florida State yet, but I’m trying to figure out a way to get up there.”
On new USF coach Willie Taggert: “I got to sit down in his office and chat with him for a while about football and life. He is a really good person and a lot of character, but he gets that work.”
On summer plans: “I am trying to get on this bus tour to go to five major schools. If not, I’m going to try to hit up some camps around Florida. I’m trying to get to Miami, Florida State, Florida, USF, UCF.”
On Florida: “I took an unofficial yesterday. I got to sit in the offensive line meeting and I got to talk to Coach (Tim) Davis. He said, “We like what we see and want to see you in camp to coach you up and see how you work with our coaching staff.””
On if Florida prefers him on a certain side of the ball: “They like me on both, but haven’t specified. Hopefully, I can make the choice if I was to go there. I’m just waiting to see how things play out.”