Florida’s offense has lacked a big-play tight end this season. And now, its recruiting class might too.
According to some reports, Jacksonville University Christian four-star tight end A.C. Leonard decommitted from the Gators on Wednesday morning.
“I don’t have anything against Florida or the coaches,” Leonard told Scout.com. “Matter of fact, they’re all great guys. I just don’t feel like that’s the best place for me.”
Ranked as the No. 4 tight end in the nation by Rivals.com, Leonard had been orally committed to Florida since Nov. 29. At the time, he was the second member of the Gators’ 2011 class, which had grown to 16 commits as of last week.
Ten and a half months and two straight UF losses later, Leonard is reopening his recruitment.
Following Florida’s loss to LSU on Saturday, Leonard softened his once-solid commitment. The tight end attended the game and left the stadium disappointed, saying the game was tough to watch.
The fact the offense has lacked output from the tight ends this season could have played a role in Leonard’s decision to shy away from UF.
Since Aaron Hernandez left early for the NFL, no tight end has filled the void. Production at the position has dropped off since last season when Hernandez was first on the team in receptions (68) and second in receiving yards (850) and touchdowns (five).
However, University Christian School coach Heath Nivens said Leonard didn’t decommit from the Gators, insisting the four-star recruit is leaving his options — which include Nebraska, Alabama and Miami — open.
Leonard has taken official visits to Nebraska and Alabama this season, and Nivens said the tight end wants to take his time and use his three remaining official visits.
According to Nivens, Leonard just wants to make sure he made the right decision when he committed to Florida last year.
“He never used the word ‘decommit,’” Nivens said. “That word has been thrown around a lot [Wednesday]. UF is still a top school for him.”
