Strong multi-day visit has Gators in ‘top-three level’ for Maryland-based OL

During the 2024 cycle, the Gators invaded Olney (Md.) Good Counsel and offered a handful at the school. One of those prospects happened to be Gators freshman linebacker Aaron Chiles.

Now, Florida is linked to the school again with offensive lineman Gavin Crawford being on the wish list. The 6-foot-2.5, 320-pound junior is the No. 43 interior offensive lineman in the On3 Industry Ranking.

After spending roughly three days in Gainesville this week, Crawford caught up with Gators Online to break down his strong experience and where his recruitment stands.

One-on-one with Gavin Crawford

You were here in Gainesville for several days. Talk about your time with the Gators.
“Coming here Thursday, it was great. I was in meetings early, talked to a couple of players, and I already knew some guys here already. My former teammate is actually a signee, Aaron Chiles. He was up here while I was up here for a little bit. Being able to be with him and seeing his takes, seeing what he does in meetings, writing and taking notes, interacting with players, it was good to see.”

Visiting Saturday allowed you to watch the scrimmage. What did you see out there?
“Practice, it was good. It was real high tempo with the offensive line, especially since they move around a lot. It was just good to see coach (Rob) Sale and coach (Jonathan) Decoster and how they coach, their coaching styles and how they interact with guys. They are one big family, especially with the o-line. It was great to see.”

The Gators offered in January, but seeing the staff in person is a much different. How was it putting names to faces?
“It was great. I’ve been around them for three days now, so it’s great just being able to not only talk about football but talk about anything, like, where we are from, how our lives have been and just getting to know people. It’s just a great experience and vital in recruiting honestly.”

Florida is known for recruiting linemen with versatility. Did the staff expand on your fit with them?
“Their vision for me, I would play center. I’m not a shorter guy, but offensive line wise, I’m on the shorter end. Being able to play center and be that leader of the team, that’s kind of what their vision is.”

The Gators made your top five without ever receiving visit from you. After spending several days on campus, where do they stand now?
“They’re at the top for me right now; at that top-three level, honestly. They’re one of the schools I’m most interested in, and I’d probably say they are pretty interested in me.”

What about Florida makes it an appealing option for you?
“The relationship with the coaches, definitely. Just the pedigree of the school here at the University of Florida, so obviously there is going to be good football and good development. Like the I said, the relationship with the coaches. The coaches are great and they have a specific plan for me, not just an overall plan they give all the recruits. They really are important on talking to me as a player and person, so I really like that. The school aspect, they are a great school, good academic wise. Those are some of things I look for that’s really important and what stands out to me about them.”

West Virginia and Maryland are the only schools with official visit dates, correct?
“Yeah.”

As for the Gators, you said you were going to reconnect with Rob Sale about that next week?
“Yes, sir. Everything was so busy with the scrimmage I didn’t get a chance to talk to him about (dates).”

Any additional spring visits on the calendar for you?
“I have one more to West Virginia and that’s it for me.”

Final thing: Decision timeline, when are you hoping to knock this out?
“Honestly, probably about early July is when I want to know after I take some of those OVs.”

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

The post Strong multi-day visit has Gators in ‘top-three level’ for Maryland-based OL appeared first on On3.