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Recapping Jim McElwain’s first week as Florida’s head coach
By Drew Laing
Published:
The first full week of officially being Florida’s head coach is almost over for Jim McElwain and it was a week full of one thing — recruiting.
“We’ll hit the road next week, get to as many places as humanly possible from the recruiting standpoint because it’s one of those things recruit daily or die now. We’ve got to make sure we secure a great class,” McElwain said during his introductory press conference.
Although decisions still have to be made in regard to what his coaching staff will look like, it appears that McElwain has a put recruiting as his biggest priority for now, at least until the dead period begins on Dec. 15. McElwain has been out on the road all week visiting recruits throughout Florida, some committed and some still up for grabs.
Jim McElwain recruiting the heck out of Florida in just less than a week, tells you recruiting is about to change in this state. #flhsfb
— Florida HS Football (@FlaHSFootball) December 11, 2014
McElwain’s recruiting strategy should be no surprise to Florida fans.
Shortly after McElwain was hired, we spoke with former SEC head coach John L. Smith, whom McElwain was an assistant coach under at Louisville and Michigan State.
Smith said McElwain understands that recruiting in your own state is top priority.
“He’s a believer in get out and work your backyard. Recruit your backyard first,” Smith said. “I think he’ll do that without a doubt because you have the best kids in the country [in Florida].
Judging from the response of recruits via Twitter, it seems that recruits are responding well to McElwain and the assistant coaches, despite the state of flux that Florida football is currently in.
With his offensive background, it’s no surprise that offense is the area he has focused much of his attention early on in recruiting.
Daniel Imatorbhebhe (2015 TE) & Josh Imatorbhebhe (2016 WR) had an in-home visit with Mac & T-Rob tonight. #Gators pic.twitter.com/RI8MTlL2BJ — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) December 10, 2014
3-star TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe will visit #Cal this weekend and will make his decision between Cal and #Gators “sooner rather than later”
— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) December 11, 2014
Just had a visit with Florida head coach #Gators — Tim Irvin II (@T_irvin2) December 10, 2014
Four-star WR Ryan Davis will receive an in-home visit from #UF coach Jim McElwain tonight. #Gators pic.twitter.com/0EZDwNe4UK
— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) December 11, 2014
Today Jim McElwain visited IMG Academy, home to Deondre Francois, Tyree St. Louis & 2016 recruits Saivion Smith, T.J. Chase & Tony Jones. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) December 11, 2014
#FSU commit George Campbell will receive a visit from #UF coach Jim McElwain today. #Noles #Gators pic.twitter.com/r8aWB1NUtY
— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) December 11, 2014
#Gators OL target. RT @Jalen_Merrick: Coach Mac just stopped by I believe he’s really gonna change the program?? — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) December 8, 2014
McElwain may be focusing more on offensive recruits, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t addressing the defensive needs. The new UF head coach made it a point to reach out to key five-star defensive end recruits CeCe Jefferson and Byron Cowart this week.
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— CeCe Jefferson (@cecejeferson7) December 10, 2014
Five-star DE Byron Cowart on Tuesday’s visit with #UF coach Jim McElwain at @Armwood_Hawks. #Gators pic.twitter.com/lw6P0bGKob — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) December 11, 2014
It looks like Byron Cowart meant #Gators official possible this weekend and not #FSU. Not set up yet though, state title game Saturday.
— Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) December 10, 2014
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
