Picking up the pieces from a fractured Will Muschamp era recruiting class, Jim McElwain turned on the jets during National Signing Day. The Gators finished in the top 25, according to the major recruiting services.
No, the Gators didn’t land five-star Byron Cowart, but they finished the day on fire, starting with five-star offensive tackle Martez Ivey’s 11:35 a.m. ET announcement.
Florida picked up seven uncommitted prospects on signing day, and 16 of the Gators 21 signees came under McElwain, including five-stars Ivey and CeCe Jefferson. I’d say that’s as strong of a close as anyone hoped for.
So, how did McElwain close so fast and so strong? Well, he explained that during his post-signing day press conference.
“We weren’t the only ones in the country in that situation,” McElwain said. “It happens every year. The good thing, I guess, was the experience going through it one time already. The key is getting out as soon as you can, as many places as you can. Not always do you get to spend a ton of quality time, but at the same time, you’ve got to take advantage of the time you get out. I know this: Our guys worked overtime, getting as many places as we could.
“I think our reception was good, which will help us more forward. We felt decent all the way along, and we felt really good about the kind of kids we brought in here. We strive beyond just the playing ability, guys that are a fit for the University of Florida, the character, the leadership we’re looking for. With that, as you take a look at the kids that chose to be Gators, that’s something that stands out.”
For McElwain to finish so strong has to have Florida fans very encouraged. Making relationships two months on the job is tough.
Here is McElwain’s full press conference:
A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.
