It seemed innocent enough last Friday when Quan Sturdivant scored a touchdown and his celebration included the “Gator Chomp.” When it was shown on local television in North Carolina, it raised quite a few eyebrows. He has narrowed his choices to Florida and North Carolina, but just ten days ago he was favoring the Tar Heels. He’ll be visiting Florida this weekend.
Sturdivant starts at quarterback and safety for Oakboro (NC) West Stanley and that touchdown helped his team to a win in their first district game. Sturdivant didn’t realize news of his “Chomp” would make the new all the way down to Gainesville.
“No, I didn’t think it was going to be like this,” Sturdivant said, laughing. “We won 33-0 and it was on the news.”
He actually had a good reason to do the “Chomp.” Florida assistant coach John “Doc” Holliday was in the stands watching and Sturdivant knew it.
“Coach Holliday was in the stands so I just wanted to show him some love,” Sturdivant said. “To tell you the truth the people up here were excited when I did it.”
This week the Florida Gators take on Alabama, hoping for a little revenge from a real beating they took last year in Tuscaloosa. Florida’s football staff has decided to make the Alabama game a landmark game as far as atmosphere, so some of the top recruits in the country will be in for their official visits including Sturdivant.
Linebacker is a true position of need for the Gators. Sturdivant is a freakish athlete with great speed and quickness for his size. He attended summer camp in Gainesville and ran a 4.45 on grass, plenty fast enough for the Florida staff to notice. He left Gainesville with a solid offer. Now it’s the Gators’ turn to impress him.
“I am coming to Gainesville this week for my official visit,” the 6-3, 218-pound future linebacker said. “I am just looking forward to seeing a good game and spending time with the coaches. I am leaving Friday night after my game against Monroe.”
Gators and Tar Heels won’t have to wait to long before he makes up his mind. It isn’t going to happen directly after his visit to Gainesville, but Sturdivant will be making his decision early next month.
“I will make a decision a couple of weeks after my visit to Florida,” he said. I just want to go to the place I feel comfortable at with the people and the coaches. I also want a good education.”
Gator Country will be sure to make a follow up call to Sturdivant after his visit. This is one story that will be high on the charts for the very near future.