re: 2018 Recruiting Thread: Sprint to NSD.

Florida recruiting: News & notes from Day 4 of Under Armour All-America week

January 2, 2018

ORLANDO — A few future Gators stood out Tuesday during the third practice for the 2018 Under Armour All-America Game.

Florida has five commits and several targets competing in Orlando this week. Here are the news and notes from Day 4:

For the second consecutive day, a Florida commit was involved in a fight after winning a 1-on-1 battle. Top-100 offensive tackle Richard Gouraige went up against 4-star defensive end Devin O’Rourke on Tuesday and easily won his rep against the Northwestern signee. They continued to shove each other after the whistle as linemen from both sides of the ball surrounded them near the sideline. Multiple players fell on top of Gouraige and banged up his shoulder, but he was able to return to practice. However, the coaches ended the 1-on-1 drills after the scuffle. Gators defensive back signee Trey Dean took down top-100 wide receiver Jalen Preston on Monday (watch).
Nicholas Petit-Frere had another stellar showing on Tuesday and won the strength competition. The 5-star tackle has been the top offensive linemen in practice this week. “Competing at this level with some of the best talent in the country is an amazing experience,” he said. “The coaches are telling me I’m working good, but I’m trying to get better each day with my technique and hand placement.” Florida is considered a top school for Petit-Frere and he has spoken with Gators quarterback signee Emory Jones in Orlando. “I think he’s a great quarterback. He’s doing really well and having an amazing week. We’ve had a chance to talk briefly and I’m going to look into him a little bit. I don’t try to base my decision on [other players], but it is cool to know guys who are going to certain schools and getting a chance to talk to them.”

Jones is also recruiting 4-star wide receiver Tommy Bush to join him at Florida. The top-200 overall prospect received an offer from the Gators last month. Bush and Jones are on the same team (Hightlight) this week. “I’ve been throwing to him a lot. He’s pretty good,” Jones said of Bush. “He’s a long, tall, fast receiver. I can throw it to him and he’ll go get it at any time.” Bush has already visited Georgia, Nebraska and Michigan State. Florida is trying to land one of his final trips along with Baylor, Notre Dame and Ole Miss. Jones believes the in-state Bears are the team to beat for Bush. “I think it’s going to be hard to get him out of Texas, but I’m working on it,” Jones said. “I’ve been talking to him and he said he would love to play with me. He feels like I’m a great quarterback.”
Auburn defensive tackle commit Coynis Miller is scheduled to officially visit Florida on Feb. 2. He recently set up the trip with new Gators coach Dan Mullen and assistant Ja’Juan Seider. “My interest in Florida is high,” Miller said. “They were one of my top schools previously. Coach Mullen and Coach Seider hit me up and just asked me to come down for a visit. I’m still committed to Auburn, but I’m just giving other schools a shot.” The nation’s No. 13-ranked DT will also visit Auburn (Jan. 12), Oregon (Jan. 19) and Tennessee (Jan. 26) this month. Miller said he speaks with Mullen on a regular basis. “We talk a lot. He’s just a great head coach,” Miller said of Mullen. “He treats his players like they’re his sons. I’m looking forward to my visit. I’ve been when Coach [Jim] McElwain was there and I want see how things have changed with Coach Mullen.”
Gators tight end signee Kyle Pitts caught a touchdown pass during red-zone work on Tuesday and has performed well throughout the week. “It’s just a blessing. I’m getting to show my talent around these top athletes. Not many players get this opportunity,” Pitts said. Florida has a handful of commits in Orlando and Pitts is enjoying the time with his future teammates. “It’s a good time. We’re having fun out here together,” Pitts said. “I’ve been getting close to those guys and we’re trying to recruit some others to join the class.”
UF signee Evan McPherson tied for first place in the kicking competition Tuesday, making all seven field-goal attempts and connecting on a 55-yarder (see below). “I just wanted to compete and show everybody what I can do. I feel like I did that,” McPherson said. “All the players got real pumped when I hit the long field goal, so that was pretty cool.”