LAKE BUENA VISTA — When Urban Meyer resigned as Florida’s coach last month, recruits were shocked and confused by the news. But as Will Muschamp assembled his staff this week, recruits took notice — and they liked what they saw.
Many of the nation’s top prospects, including four UF oral commits and several UF targets, are at the Walt Disney World resort this week practicing for today’s Under Armour All-America game, and for many, it was the first time they heard about the Gators’ new coaching staff.
On Sunday, Muschamp’s first official day as UF’s coach, the former Texas defensive coordinator named five to his staff, including three coaches he retained from Meyer’s workforce: running backs coach Stan Drayton, linebackers coach D.J. Durkin and tight ends coach Brian White.
And there’s already at least one recruit who is relieved that White is staying at Florida.
“I was excited. I love it,” four-star tight end A.C. Leonard said. “I talked to him (Sunday) night. I was so happy. That was one of my main concerns, so I’m happy. I’ve always wanted to play for him.”
While keeping a few familiar names on staff, Florida announced the big-name hire of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.
The addition made a big splash with recruits at the Under Armour All-America practice at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex.
“I’ve never actually met him, but he’s done big things — coached at a big-time program in Notre Dame and won Super Bowls in the NFL,” four-star quarterback Jeff Driskel said. “If he can win Super Bowls, he can win national championships, and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Driskel admitted he’s not familiar with the type of offenses that Weis has produced, but he’s excited to meet Weis and see what he’s about.
Meanwhile, Driskel spent some time earlier in the week playing the latest Madden NFL video game and taking a peek at the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive playbook.
“A.C. played with the Chiefs and I played against him, so I scouted (Weis) out a bit,” Driskel joked after Monday’s practice.
Word also got out that Seattle Seahawks defensive line coach Dan Quinn was hired as UF’s defensive coordinator.
“That’s big. That’s impressive, right there,” said Alabama commit and five-star safety Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix, who is planning a visit to UF in the coming weeks. “I look forward to meeting him and meeting with all the coaches there.”
Some recruits weren’t as familiar with Quinn’s name, but many were excited that he has NFL experience on his résumé.
“He could take me to the next level,” said four-star Miami Monsignor Pace High safety Jabari Gorman, who will announce his commitment at Wednesday’s game. “I love coaches that have already been in the league, because he knows what it takes to get there.”
Oral commitments are non-binding until a national letter of intent is signed on or after National Signing Day on Feb. 2.
