From Gators fan to UF target, touted QB Will Griffin already bonding with Billy Napier & Co.
TAMPA, FLORIDA — Will Griffin has sometimes gone hardcore Gator on Saturdays in the fall during his youth.
“Me and my dad have painted our bodies (orange and blue) a couple of times,” Griffin told Gators Online.
Griffin, who attends Tampa Jesuit, is no typical fan. He’s also a high-level 2026 quarterback recruit who holds offers from Florida, Florida State, Miami and others. And he’s already listed at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds.
Griffin has visited Florida twice and plans to return in June for Friday Night Lights.
“They really welcomed me up there (in the spring),” he said. “I was invited into their QB room, meetings and stuff like that. For a couple of hours. It was with Coach (Ryan) O’Hara and Coach (Billy) Napier — they were both in the room. Coat Napier gave me a lot of tips on their offense — stuff that I can use to make my game better.”
According to Griffin, it seems like the Gators will heavily pursue him in the coming years.
“They gave me that kind of vibe a little bit,” he said. “They welcomed me and it felt like home up there. I’ve been up there a couple times and they really showed me almost what it would be like to be a Gator if I go there.”
As a freshman in 2022, Griffin completed 106 of 187 passes for 1,653 yards, 18 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.
His dad attended college in Gainesville
“I grew up going to a whole bunch of games as a Gator,” Griffin said. “I was a huge fan. Pretty much his whole side of the family went there. It’s great to have that hospitality there — and the offer.”
Asked if he’s envisioned himself playing for Florida, this is how Griffin responded: “Yes, especially in the stands. I can see myself throwing those touchdowns and being apart of the Gators.”
Will Griffin will visit several colleges in June
Despite this, Griffin is taking an open mind with regards to his recruitment. He claims to have no leaders at this time.
“Just exploring my options,” he said.
He plans to camp at Florida, FSU, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State and others this summer.
FSU quarterbacks coach Tony Tokarz attended Jesuit’s spring game.
“Coach Tokarz is an amazing guy,” Griffin said. “Coach (Mike) Norvell, Coach Tokarz, Coach Alex (Atkins) all do a great job recruiting. Building relationships is one thing they like to do a lot. Anytime I can call them and talk to them is great. Same with Florida — Miami. All these other schools. Florida State does a really good job with relationships and that’s something that makes a good program. Miami is another big Florida school. Great location. Been there a couple times for camps and stuff like that. And it was great to get to see the facilities and tour the campus. Coach (Mario) Cristobal is an amazing guy.”
The post From Gators fan to UF target, touted QB Will Griffin already bonding with Billy Napier & Co. appeared first on On3.
