RECRUITING: Aiken impresses at FNL

The wide receiver position on Friday Night Lights last week in Gainesville was well represented. One of the prospects that hasn’t gotten a lot of publicity but proved very worthy of all the accolades is Hollywood Chaminade Madonna wide receiver Kamar Aiken.

The 6-2, 195 pound speedster is big, strong, and runs with the best of the receivers. He spent the evening chasing a lot of stray throws from quarterbacks but almost every time had the defender beat on the play. The crowd and most likely the Florida coaches watching took notice.

Aiken had a good time that night competing.

“I liked it,” he said. “I liked the atmosphere. They had everything set up well and really organized. The coaches said they were really impressed. Coach Gonzales said he really wanted me.”

The next day the Florida staff held the fourth Junior Day of the recruiting season. Aiken and two Chaminade teammates hung around and toured the campus. They went bowling and also played a little pool.

Aiken has a list of five schools at the top of his list. Florida, Florida State, Auburn, South Carolina, and Georgia look to be the only ones left vying to land Aiken on signing day.

Florida: “I like the coaches and the family atmosphere. That is what my high school team is like.”

Florida State: “I haven’t seen them yet, but they were my childhood favorite. Coach John Lilly recruits me there.”

South Carolina: “I don’t know a whole lot about them. I like that they pass the ball a lot and they have a great coach.”

Georgia: “I like the state. It’s a nice environment there.”

Auburn: “I liked the coaches at the camp and we got to interact with the players.”

It sounds as though Aiken could make a decision soon, but he wants to make sure he has seen everything he needs to see. That will depend on the Chaminade staff who hauls the group to the different schools.

“I want to see FSU first before I make a decision,” he said. “I don’t know when that will be. The coaches don’t tell us, they just get us the day before and take us somewhere.”

Kamar Aiken is one that Gator recruitniks should follow closely in the near future. His athleticism is apparent and screams south Florida talent. He could play anywhere.