Last night, we held an impromptu moderated chat with Gator Country’s Recruiting Coordinator in Justin Wells to answer questions about the Under Armour events, Greg Reid, and much more. At one time 166 folks popped in and it was quite fun — here’s a transcript for those of you who missed out:
GallantGator: Well, the second annual Under Armour game practices are in the books, and what a week it’s been!
GallantGator: Obviously a lot of juicy stuff going on in Orlando, so I will share a few quick tidbits, and then open it up for questions
GallantGator: First off, the Greg Reid situation has been terribly interesting…
GallantGator: I know it looks bleak if you are paying enough attention to what some of the other sites are saying…
GallantGator: I can’t promise that he will in fact be a part of Florida’s 2009 class
GallantGator: But I will say this…
GallantGator: A lot of people seem to be letting others do the talking for Reid
GallantGator: He hasn’t said anything on the record that could be considered a strong endorsement towards a future commitment to UGA
GallantGator: In fact, when we get the video interview up later…I think you all will be pleasantly surprised by what he has to say
GallantGator: But, I do realize that he could be playing coy with us…so you just never know
Solari: (Those of you new in here, we will have the video up tonight…)
GallantGator: Reid has been pretty chummy with some of the UGA commitments this week (in particular Dexter Moody and Washaun Ealey, who he played alongside in a Georgia all-star game before heading down to the UA event)
GallantGator: But he has been very friendly with Debose and Nu’Keese Richardson
GallantGator: :)
GallantGator: And I will say that he also introduced Cody Jones to his family today…if that tells you something
GallantGator: So…a lot of stuff going on there
GallantGator: To be honest, I think Greg is loving this attention right now
GallantGator: So…I could see him going to Florida or Georgia at this point…maybe somewhere else
GallantGator: Only time will tell
GallantGator: I will say that many (scouts, coaches, recruiting analysts) have been just raving about Reid’s performances this week
GallantGator: So he certainly has impressed a lot of people with his play, and should move up
GallantGator: in the rankings
GallantGator: Alright…let’s open the floor to questions now
tightcherry: Hope Cody didn’t blow it for us
GallantGator: LOL
GallantGator: Me too
jgrayhound: the big question is will his move up the rankings help us or UGA
GallantGator: We will see…I hope Florida, but there certainly is no telling right now
G8RCB: Does the Shannon nonsense help us with any players?
GallantGator: Certainly that’s a possibility
GallantGator: As for immediate impact…I don’t think it will be huge in this class, with the UF staff very close to being done with this group
GallantGator: But down the road…you never know…
gatorsfn10: Any news on how Nu’Keese is doing this week?
GallantGator: Nu’Keese is an incredible athlete
GallantGator: I think he’s been in the bottom half of the receivers here in attendance this week, however
GallantGator: On the black team, he has definitely been overshadowed by Jamal Patterson, Duron Carter, and Andre Debose
GallantGator: People are just raving about Duron Carter
GallantGator: I expect him to get a huge bump from the various recruiting services after this week
GallantGator: His development in the past year is nothing short of remarkable
orangeblue: I really think it’s an attention thing and once he visits UF, he’ll reaffirm
Chris_Martin: Justin, Miami fans are chirping that Prince Kent has been locking down Debose all week..any truth?
GallantGator: Ehhhhh…
GallantGator: Kent has looked pretty good
GallantGator: That seems to be stretching the truth a bit, however…
Bullis33: latest on Debose??
GallantGator: Still hearing a lot of good Florida vibes in Orlando…but you really never know
GallantGator: LSU still wouldn’t surprise me…but I’m sticking with Florida until further notice
blackdiamondbob: who will be our next five verbals
GallantGator: Bostic, Nixon, and Debose are the easy three
GallantGator: It’s gets a little trickier after that
GallantGator: I would say Heimuli and Jelani Jenkins
G8RCB: Do you see us getting any of the other parts the Seminole 3 (other than Debose)?
GallantGator: Not as of today
GallantGator: It will be interesting to see if Ray Ray takes a visit to UF during the month of January
GallantGator: But as of today…no
Solari: BTW Kentucky just scored on a turnover—25-19 with 3 mins to go
tdiddy2: How solid is Gary Brown?
GallantGator: He may take a visit or two this month
GallantGator: But I wouldn’t worry too much about him
GallantGator: He’s solid
bomber2525: Overall who has been the best looking prospect?
GallantGator: Wow…tough question
GallantGator: I spent a lot of time watching the white team this week
GallantGator: Gary Brown has been incredible
GallantGator: He’s up there…along with Matt Barkley, Stanley Hasiak, Alshon Jeffery, and Branden Smith
GallantGator: But Manti Te’o gets my vote
GallantGator: Get has just showed out all week long
GallantGator: And ALL of the kids rave about his ability
GallantGator: That’s the true sign of a great player
gatorfan2004: is Debose a Gator
GallantGator: Still think so, yes
jgrayhound: Any chance we can pull Travis Hawkins?
GallantGator: Nah…he seems content in his decision
GallantGator: I don’t think Florida will take any more corners in this class, anyways
gatorsfn10: knowing him i almost dont want him to pick us on Sun. then change over later
GallantGator: Well…it’s possible that could happen (if you’re talking about Debose), but I don’t think it’s a huge concern since LSU was our fiercest competitor, and he’s already taken an official there
retsyned: How do we stand for Brandon Smith?
GallantGator: Looks to be headed to UGA
GallantGator: That’s the word down here, anyways
Shade45: Any chance Jamal reid comes to UF?
GallantGator: Nah, don’t see it
GallantGator: He needs a UF offer for that to happen
GallantGator: Of course, with what has happened with Greg Reid over the past couple of days…you never know, he could end up getting that offer
gatorchamps0607: is it true Gary Brown has a Gator tattoo?
Solari: Okay folks I have the video in hand (Reid interview) and will be uploading it shortly.
GallantGator: Yes
GallantGator: Brown does have a Gator tattoo
Swampie: Where is Ray Ray leaning too right now do you know?
GallantGator: I still predict Ray Ray and Dye to Miami tomorrow
cbreezeinsider: Gallant who is the one guy we recruited and will not be a Gator that impresses ;you most.
GallantGator: Trent Richardson has looked great this week
GallantGator: He’s a little shorter than I anticipated (probably right at 5-10)
GallantGator: But he is an animal
daswamp: ANY HANCE WITH DRE?
GallantGator: Chance? Sure.
GallantGator: Will he come to Florida? In all likelihood…no>
tdiddy2: What is the likelihood that DeBose will just pull an orchestrated shocker and sign with Miami in the end?
GallantGator: Incredibly low
GallantGator: The depth chart does not appeal to him, and reportedly his father isn’t a big fan either…
jjbbq: Hows Jenkins looked, where would he rate compared to the other LBs?
GallantGator: Best LB on the Black team, IMO…only Te’o has looed better
GallantGator: But they are different types of players altogether
GallantGator: Really comparing apples to oranges there
desiredgator: pic of tat?
GallantGator: Hmmmm…we’ll have to work on that for Sunday
cagator: Justin, has Greg Reid actually used the word decommitted ?
GallantGator: Well, yes…he is not considered a commitment
GallantGator: He didn’t specificially say it to us today
GallantGator: But based on his comments…yeah, he is not a Florida commitment
daswamp: HOW DO YOU LIKE OUR CHANCES WITH DRE AND RICHARDSON COMING THE SAME WEEK?
GallantGator: Not a whole lot, to be honest
GallantGator: Richardson did a lot of grinning when asked about his commitment
GallantGator: He keeps saying you’ll find out on Signing Day
GallantGator: But I expect him to stick with ‘Bama when it’s all said and done
soflgator: Jaccobi McDaniel decommiting from FSU to visit Georgia. LMAO. Their class is going to stink.
GallantGator: Yeah…don’t know about all of that
GallantGator: I heard it
GallantGator: I’ll believe it when I see it
GallantGator: It’s amazing how UGA is getting all of these kids, isn’t it?
GallantGator: That Capital One Bowl win must have impressed a whole lot of people
GallantGator: ;)
Swampie: Miami has Harris, wow, guess Ray Ray doesn’t mind being #2, think Ray Ray can play… What is he playing at in Underarmour? QB I’d think
GallantGator: Safety…and he says that is what he will play in college
GallantGator: I’ve seen several people throw that Kearse comparison out there, however
GallantGator: I think it’s a valid one, too
Wuerffel5220: they all want to play with matt stafford ;)
GallantGator: I guess so!
GallantGator: :)
dagatorfan: do you think that reid will still be in the UF class
GallantGator: If you put a gun to my head tonight
GallantGator: And asked me that question
GallantGator: I would probably say no
GallantGator: However…I think there’s a lot of time to go
GallantGator: It’s January 1st…as one person put it this week, the fun has only just begun!
GallantGator: :)
tightcherry: are we entertaining kids on the 23rd or 30th weekends
GallantGator: 30th is a junior day weekend
GallantGator: But yes, things should be closed to wrapped up by the time the weekend of the 16th is over
GallantGator: Might be a half-dozen visits (at most) following that weekend
tjgator: What weekend is our next big recruiting weekend – the 16th?
GallantGator: Correct!
soflgator: Which Richardson are you referring to? Trent or NuKeese?
Solari: Justin, buzz me when you want chat opened up again.
GallantGator: Sorry…I was referring to Trent Richardson when I spoke of the Richardson doing a lot of grinning and saying you’ll find out on Signing Day!
GallantGator: Will do
G8RCB: who would they go after in place of Reid?
GallantGator: Not sure yet…don’t think even the coaches have had time to consider that
GallantGator: For now…they need to stick with him, and try to see that one through
gatorchamps0607: what really changed with Reid?
GallantGator: Good question
GallantGator: I think his relationships with Moody and Ealey had a lot to do with whatever is going on
GallantGator: I tend to think when they head their separate ways here shortly, that could change things too…
GallantGator: By the way…
GallantGator: Found it interesting…but a among the group of people that Greg introduced Cody too included his family, and a couple of his teachers …both of whom were dressed head to toe in red and black
tjgator: Are they aware of what is going on with Reid?
dagatorfan: just got here
GallantGator: They are now!
GallantGator: LOL
GallantGator: No, I don’t believe they were aware of anything before last night
atrugatfan: as of now who will be here on the 16th
GallantGator: atru…the list in incredible
GallantGator: Could be as many as 15
GallantGator: Richardson, M. Brown, Reid, L. Robinson, Kirkpatrick, J. Jones
GallantGator: Could be a bunch more
gatorfan2004: how many guys will we sign in this up coming class?
GallantGator: Still say around 22
animasgator: Hard to believe we lose Reid – Kid goes to more home UF games than most here
GallantGator: I know…the whole deal is just really funny and strange to me
GallantGator: Almost like… something smells
GallantGator: You know?
tightcherry: looks like we ruined Bama ….:D
GallantGator: :)
gator1182: so debose is looking good? likely to stick to his choice he makes sunday? i worry about all those remaining visits with prospects that are committing this weekend.
GallantGator: I think so gator
GallantGator: Let him make the decision first, and then actually go on these visits before worrying…
tbleak12: where is georgia getting all this momentum from?
GallantGator: The Capital One Bowl?!?!?
GallantGator: LOL
GallantGator: I don’t know
GallantGator: Lot of kids playing in this all-star game for them
GallantGator: They’ve done a good job recruiting I guess
GallantGator: In the end…lets see if they actually get these kids
gatormann: Nice showing at the Capital One Bowl too. Yikes
GallantGator: LOL
GallantGator: They did alright, I suppose
dagatorfan: so if we lose reid who do we replace him with
GallantGator: Jamal Reid is a possibility
GallantGator: UF is looking at Reid as a WR
GallantGator: I believe that is a mistake after this week
GallantGator: He is a corner all the way
GallantGator: Next Lito Sheppard, I’m telling you…
gatorfan2004: how many RB’S and WR’s are we signing also how many OL and DL
GallantGator: Uhhh…
GallantGator: Depends on who wants in
GallantGator: Probably 1 rb, 3 wr, 5 ol, and 5 dl
Wuerffel5220: he does throw the prettiest interception in college football
GallantGator: Stafford?
Solari: Over 155 folks in chat. Thanks for joining us!
GallantGator: No arguements from me!
gatorchamps0607: Will Urban change his tune if Reid is serious about going elsewhere?
GallantGator: Don’t know
GallantGator: They need to try to keep this kid in the fold though
GallantGator: He is a cut above on the football field
daswamp: BAMA DOWN 14-0
Swampie: Utah 14 Bama 0
Shade45: Utah 14-0
SacGator: Go Utes! :)
cbreezeinsider: Utah 14 Bama 0
GallantGator: Wow
GallantGator: I see we are supporting our SEC brethren tonight!
Swampie: Bama wasn’t ready to play… Justin where do you think our class will rank when it’s all over?
GallantGator: Top ten for sure
GallantGator: Probably top five…depends on how we close
tightcherry: I’d prefer Utah 140-0
G8RCB: what is the biggest need at this point?
GallantGator: I think closing out strong at WR, and on the D-Line
GallantGator: If Tebow doesn’t come back…another player who can play QB, too
tightcherry: Reid played in a Georgia All Star game last week … probably started there
Solari: The video interview has been posted, folks. It is now on our front page.
GallantGator: For his relationships with Ealey and Moody?
GallantGator: Probably right
dagatorfan: do you think if we win the NC that will help sway reid back our way
GallantGator: Nah
GallantGator: That in itself won’t
GallantGator: Just have to work him really hard, the staff will
GallantGator: That’s the only way they can get him to come to Florida
biomedgator: Did UA players have access to the UGA practices?
GallantGator: Nah
GallantGator: Just went to the game
cbreezeinsider: Nothing against Reid, but we have a ton of similar players like him now.
GallantGator: In terms of size…yeah
GallantGator: But Reid…I like the kid a lot
GallantGator: We’ll be fine either way
GallantGator: But he’s someone you want to keep if you can help it
gatorbogey: hope the gators are taking note of what is happening to bama….
tbleak12: what makes reid different from demps or rainey
GallantGator: Well, I look at it from the defensive side of the ball
GallantGator: He is a playmaker extraordinare there
GallantGator: From an offensive perspective, his loss doesn’t hurt as much
GallantGator: But the kid will be an awesome CB one day
gatorfan2004: Do we have any guys on our team now or coming in this coming up class that can almost compare to the way Percy plays. Who will take Percy’s spot? Anyone from this class?
GallantGator: Debose will be the guy
GallantGator: He isn’t Percy…but he’s a big-timer for sure
biomedgator: so they were at the game or watched it on TV?
GallantGator: At the game
sharkey28: eh utah winning and going undefeated gives them a sliver of a chance at a split title
tbleak12: whats the word on nu’keese, how has he been looking?
GallantGator: Looking good, not great
GallantGator: He will need some seasoning, as he played a lot of QB in high school
GallantGator: He definitely is an incredible athlete
GallantGator: Impresses the heck out of me in terms of his skill set
gatorfan2004: how tall is Debose? How fast does he run the 40?
GallantGator: Debose is in that 5-11, 6-0 range
GallantGator: He’s a legit 4.4 guy
cbreezeinsider: Who will be our big tall WR this year?
GallantGator: I don’t know
GallantGator: If it were my choice…I would say Alshon Jeffery
GallantGator: He has torn it up in practices
GallantGator: He’s incredible
Solari: Okay we’re opening up chat
GallantGator: He will be visiting UF on the 31st
SacGator: Jeffery is a major talent. What about Marlon Brown?
GallantGator: Let’s just say that his coach likes the Gators a LOT
dagatorfan: what are the early entries this year
gatormann: Who are the ones that announce tommorow?
GallantGator: Brown is good…like Jeffery better though
gatorfan2004: Gallant does Debose make the cuts and routs like Percy
ozgator: think tenn. will be our biggest battle for jeffrey
Nicho: so we can talk about the sugar bowl too now?
SacGator: is Brown a leg-humper or do you think we have a legit shot?
Solari: The video interview with Reid is online now: https://www.gatorcountry.com/football_recruiting/article/exclusive_video_interview_with_greg_reid/5317
GallantGator: Early Entries: Alajajian, Finley, Harrison, Herbert, and Parks
Solari: Yes, anything goes in chat now.