For Ocean Lakes High (Va.) defensive end Eli Harold, today is significant.
The four-star standout will announce his oral commitment, deciding between Florida, Penn State and Virginia, but it won’t just be any other Tuesday pledge from a rising senior.
“It’s my mother’s birthday,” Harold said. “She passed away in January, so I wanted to do this now.”
For Harold, his decision will serve as both a tribute to the past and a sign of the future.
The four-star prospect has already decided what school he will choose but has kept the information away from everyone except a few close friends and family.
Florida is the only school in the defensive end’s top three that he has not visited. Harold said he grew up a Gators fan and Florida was his leader as late as March. However, after visiting Virginia, he was blown away by the coaching staff and the atmosphere.
“I’m just going where I feel comfortable,” Harold said. “It’s a decision that has to come from the heart.”
He has not decided whether or not he will continue to visit other schools after his oral commitment.
Gators offer 2013 offensive tackle: Celina High (Texas) 2013 offensive tackle Jake Raulerson visited Florida on Thursday and received oral offer No. 15 of his young recruiting process.
The rising junior got the opportunity to meet one-on-one with offensive line coach Frank Verducci, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and head coach Will Muschamp.
“It was a bit surreal because I’ve always been a Gators fan, so it was a little wild at first,” Raulerson said.
“That’s one of those big ones for me, so it was a big deal.”
Raulerson’s grandparents live in Florida, and he attended every summer football camp held under Urban Meyer.
However, while he admits Florida is a big draw for him, Raulerson said he is keeping his recruitment open to all schools until New Year’s Day.
Miller plans early-season UF visit: Dwyer High offensive tackle Patrick Miller recently returned from a visit to Oklahoma.
The four-star lineman said he enjoyed visiting with the Sooners but isn’t sure if he is really comfortable moving that far away.
Currently, Miller said his top schools are Auburn and LSU.
He said he’s built good relationships with the coaches and other linemen there, but said the only reason he’s not mentioning Florida yet is because he has not taken the time to visit recently.
Some time during his senior season, Miller said he wants to narrow his choices down to one in-state and one out-of-state school.
Miller said he then plans to orally commit by December and enroll early at his university of choice.
Miller plans to visit Gainesville early in the upcoming season.
Davis claims Humphries leaning Florida: Despite recent rumors that five-star offensive tackle D.J. Humphries is committing to Tennessee on Friday, UF oral commit Mike Davis said Monday he has spoken to the Rivals.com’s No. 1 offensive tackle and believes Humphries is leaning toward Florida.
“I’ve been talking to him,” Davis said. “He’s definitely thinking Florida.”
