Swamp Secrets: Inside the recruitment of 4-star DB target Zay Mincey

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA — Lots of eyes are on Zay Mincey of Mainland High these days. And for good reason.

The touted recruit is among the Florida Gators’ top remaining targets.

This isn’t speculation. It’s fact. And, it’s been known for some time.

Mincey is an elite defensive back and a top-100 recruit.

Here are some key things to know about his recruitment …

*Gators Online noted last weekend there was chatter that Mincey might not announce a decision until he competes at an All-American game in January (in his case, the All-American Bowl, Jan. 6). Friday, he confirmed that was the case. However, here’s the rub — He still plans to make his commitment in the very near future. He just won’t go public with it until January. That private verbal is coming “pretty soon. Me and my mom, we’re talking about the exact date right now,” Mincey said. Florida, Florida State, Miami and Alabama are the finalists.

*Even after he makes that private commitment, Mincey could still visit each of the other programs this fall. He has officially visited all but the Tide. Mincey isn’t yet sure if Alabama will get an official. If he goes to Tuscaloosa this season, it very well might be an unofficial. While there seems to be more buzz about Florida, Miami and Alabama with Mincey, he said he might attend the upcoming FSU-LSU game in Orlando to get an up-close look at the ‘Noles. Florida is the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine favorite.

Florida DB coach Corey Raymond has impressed Mincey on and off the field

*What stands out most about Florida to Mincey? “Corey Raymond” was the first thing that came out of his mouth when we asked Mincey this question. He described Florida’s secondary coach as a “technician.” Not only does Mincey like Raymond’s track record of producing NFL defensive backs, but he described him as a “cool dude.”

*When talking about the Gators, ‘Canes and ‘Noles, Mincey focused mostly on relationships. Asked about the Tide, he described the winning culture and the fact “you’re playing against the best of the best” in practice.

*Mincey visited Miami the last weekend in July and there seems to be growing optimism in Coral Gables. The ‘Canes staff has impressed him. “Great coaches everywhere, from the top — Coach (Mario) Cristobal down to lowest position, they all just build people.” The ‘Canes like him at both corner and safety, he said. The Gators project Mincey at corner, which is what he played in Friday night’s game.

*Gators coach Billy Napier is heavily involved — not surprisingly — in this recruitment. He’s in a group chat with Mincey and his mother. “He calls me elite — top of the top,” Mincey said. Mincey is impressed by Florida’s recruiting class and said it’s something he’s kept track of. He realizes the Gators are in the building process and seems to be cool with that. He believes the Gators are trending in the right direction as a program.

*Mincey said he’s definitely attending a game in Gainesville this season, but isn’t yet sure when he’ll be back at the Swamp. He is thinking strongly about attending the Florida-Tennessee game Sept. 16.

*Handicapping this recruitment … as of now, it seems Florida and Miami probably in the best position. But he speaks highly enough of the Tide to not count them out. Does he make his second trip to Alabama? That’s something worth watching.

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