4-star prospect Robert Stafford has taken a have a look at Florida’s Large Three school packages within the final month, and Miami made a giant impression on him after his go to over the weekend.
”It was positively one in every of my favourite visits,” Stafford advised the South Florida Solar Sentinel on Monday. “I actually loved being across the coaches. They confirmed mad love. Simply seeing how they work together with me and my household was actually good.”
Stafford, a two-way 2023 standout from Melbourne Eau Gallie Excessive, additionally visited Florida and Florida State in March. The Gators have the geographic benefit of being closest to Stafford’s dwelling, and Stafford has gotten an excellent impression from the Seminoles. He mentioned Miami coach Mario Cristobal was “very easy to speak to (and) actually cool,” and that he thinks Cristobal, Florida coach Billy Napier and FSU coach Mike Norvell all appear to be turning their packages round.
“UF is the native faculty for me,” Stafford mentioned. “Being from Brevard (County), all the finest gamers round right here at all times went to UF, so there’s form of a practice of Brevard County to Gainesville pipeline.
“All the FSU coaches have been real from Day 1. Coach Norvell got here to our college within the winter, and we simply vibed immediately. Looks as if everybody’s on board to show that program round up there.”
However the Hurricanes impressed Stafford with their angle and with the quantity of NFL alumni they’ve produced — together with one Corridor of Famer Stafford spent a while with whereas he was in Coral Gables.
“I believe UM has that pure swagger with them,” Stafford mentioned. “They've guys I grew up watching on TV everywhere. I talked with Ed Reed for some time. Loopy.”
Stafford has frolicked at huge receiver and defensive again. He had 605 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns at huge receiver final season. On protection, he had 19 tackles, one interception, 5 go breakups and a fumble restoration. He mentioned the Hurricanes are recruiting him as a cornerback.
The Eau Gallie standout earned an invite to the Underneath Armour All-America Recreation on Sunday and dedicated to the sport later that night. Stafford is listed because the No. 17 athlete and No. 233 participant within the 2023 class by 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Stafford, who has three dozen scholarship presents, mentioned he plans to slim his decisions down after spring soccer follow. Florida excessive colleges can begin training on April 25, and Eau Gallie will look to enhance on its 3-7 report from final season.
“I believe spring round right here goes to be nuts,” Stafford mentioned. “We even have the most effective linebackers within the nation and doubtless the perfect freshman class within the nation. So I’m going to let issues play out after spring follow.”
Stafford mentioned regardless of the place he finally ends up signing, he'll attempt to make an influence the second he arrives on campus.
“They need to know that wherever I find yourself, they’re going to see a canine on the sphere,” Stafford mentioned, “and I might be able to compete Day 1.”
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