Florida is UCF’s top competition for TE commit

Despite making a commitment to UCF, Cincinnati (Ohio) Anderson tight end Caden Piening continues to hear out the University of Florida. He will also be back in Gainesville on June 14-16 for an official visit.

According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Piening is the No. 36 tight end and No. 660 prospect overall.

“It’s been pretty good,” Piening told Gators Online. “I’ve stayed in contact with (tight ends) coach (Russ) Callaway. We talk a little bit and he came to visit me at school just to kind of see me work out. Our relationship is pretty good still.”

That relationship with Callaway kicked into gear when Florida offered a scholarship on Jan. 23.

“I think the relationship has always been great since then,” said Piening. “My parents really have a great relationship with him as well, so I think me and coach Callaway have been really close this whole process.”

A second look at the Gators was needed

During his first visit to Florida in March, Piening attended a spring practice and spoke highly about the team’s intensity. Being able to dissect his potential fit firsthand was a strong experience.

However, Piening still has plenty to see in Gainesville. That played a significant role in him setting an official visit.

“When we went, we saw a lot of the football aspect. I think they have more to offer and we haven’t got to see everything about the school yet,” Piening said. “We want to go down and make sure we see everything, like, the whole school, campus, facilities and just everything they have to offer.”

Two schools are staying in contact the most

In addition to the Sunshine State schools, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Piening holds offers from Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Texas A&M, Stanford, West Virginia and Arkansas among others.

Some of those programs still occasionally reach out, but Florida is the school pushing hardest to flip Piening ahead of official visit season. The SEC school’s pursuit has not slowed down whatsoever.

“I made my decision before my OVs because I thought the time was right,” said Piening. “That’s where I kind of sit at with UCF and that’s the school I want to go to as of right now.

“I’m not sure which OVs I’ll be taking, but the only two I have locked in are Florida and UCF. I think Florida has been the biggest school that has still been reaching out to me (since my commitment).”

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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