(Butch Dill/AP)
Have you ever wondered what the Gators’ offer letter to recruits looks like?
We got a sneak peek at one when Grayson (Ga.) defensive end Mykelle McDaniel tweeted a photo of his offer letter from Florida. The three-star recruit is rated as the 44th-best 2016 prospect in Georgia, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
Let’s dissect the offer letter line by line …
“To be coached and developed by the best coaches in the country”
Translated: Gators coaches have confidence in themselves, referring to the staff as “the best coaches in the country.” Some players might not know much about head coach Jim McElwain yet, as he was previously at Colorado State. But Florida is already selling McElwain and his staff to recruits.
“To better yourself as a student and as an athlete”
Translated: Florida is the second highest ranked national university in the SEC behind just Vanderbilt, according to U.S. News and World Report 2015 rankings. The Gators’ football team is bringing up the University of Florida’s academics to recruits.
“To grow as a man in all facets of your life”
Translated: This is a generic line that most college coaches tell recruits. There’s nothing too interesting here.
“To play in the most competitive conference in the nation”
Translated: The Gators would be making a big mistake if they didn't use the Southeastern Conference to their advantage. Who wouldn't want to play in the SEC? I mean the conference has its own channel owned by ESPN, the SEC Network.
"To earn a college degree from a nationally top-ranked institution"
Translated: See above. Florida is the second highest ranked national university in the SEC. That’s something Gators coaches should use. Unique mix of good academics and a well known athletic program.
“To be supported by coaches and staff who truly care about you”
Translated: One of the biggest things McElwain has stressed since arriving to Gainesville is the importance of his players. “The only reason any of us exist is because of these players,” he said at the start of fall camp. “That’s it. So everything we do should be generated toward helping our players be successful.” This line on the offer sheet seems to reiterate that, as McElwain works to improve football facilities and players’ dorms.
“To play in front of 90,000 fans screaming your name”
Translated: Well, the Gators’ average home attendance last season was 85,834, which is 96.9 percent of capacity. So, 90,000 might be a little bit of a stretch unless Florida gets back to its championship ways. But playing in the Swamp is still special.
“To walk in the same hallways as Gator legends like Dante Fowler & Kevin Carter”
Translated: I’m sure this line changes based on the recruit. Since McDaniel is a defensive end, former Florida defensive ends Dante Fowler (third overall pick in 2015 NFL Draft) and Kevin Carter (sixth overall pick in 1995 NFL Draft) are used in this case. You can bet players like Emmitt Smith and Fred Taylor are used for running back recruits.
“To develop relationships with teammates that will last a lifetime”
Translated: This is another thing McElwain has emphasized since becoming Florida’s head coach. Team chemistry is important to the new coaching staff, as players and coaches have made it clear that the current quarterback competition will not divide the team like in past years.
“To write your own legacy at the University of Florida”
Translated: Every high school recruit wants to feel like they have the power to control their football fate in college.
“To become a Gator”
Translated: Well, the recruit isn’t a Gator until they commit and sign with Florida. But we get the idea.
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