The 3-2-1: Gators safety target Bryce Fitzgerald

Secondary coach Will Harris and the Florida Gators are sorting through several options in the secondary, with a few of those prospects being more of a priority than others.

That’s definitely the case with Miami Columbus 4-star safety Bryce Fitzgerald.

For our latest 3-2-1 feature at Gators Online, below are three things we know about Fitzgerald’s recruitment, two questions we have and one reason why Florida fans should be optimistic.

Three things we know

– Much of the buzz currently surrounds Florida and Florida State. The Seminoles have likely been more consistent over the long haul, but Fitzgerald loved Florida as a kid and recently enjoyed himself during last month’s official visit. That experience catapulted Florida into that top tier of his recruitment. Since then, those in-state programs have soaked up much of the momentum. Other than Fitzgerald and his camp, I don’t think anyone can submit a prediction right now and feel confident about doing so.

– Fitzgerald is gearing up to make a decision on Aug. 16. That should allow Fitzgerald to hit the road during the final weekend of July once the dead period is lifted. If that does happen, it could put that program in the driver’s seat since much of August is a dead period too. We should learn of the defensive back’s college decision roughly a month and a half from now.

– Fitzgerald is sold on Florida secondary coach Will Harris. After his official visit, he admitted that he doesn’t trust many people, but Harris is one he does have faith in. That’s a good sign ahead of a summer decision since Fitzgerald doesn’t need to wait for results in the fall. He believes Harris could get him to the NFL and spoke highly of his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. That is one of Fitzgerald’s better relationships in recruiting.

Two questions we have

– Should we be monitoring Miami more? The hometown Hurricanes received the final official visit, and shortly thereafter, Fitzgerald said they were back in it. He added that his mother was “shocked” after the visit as well. Then you have Mario Cristobal who attended Columbus along with some of Fitzgerald’s former teammates who are now at UM. You can never count out Miami in today’s day-and-age of recruiting, especially for a blue-chip talent down the road. They definitely made a strong impression a few weeks back, but will it be enough?

– We briefly touched on this in the first section, but which school(s) will host Bryce Fitzgerald later this month? Most programs are hosting a recruiting event, with the Gators rolling out the Grill in the ‘Ville. That has been a talent-loaded event over the past two years, so Florida definitely hopes Fitzgerald is present. LSU is also in the mix, but I’m monitoring FSU and Miami more as it pertains to a potential visit. It would be massive if the Gators were able to roll out one final presentation for Bryce Fitzgerald.

One reason why UF fans should be optimistic

– Fitzgerald’s experiences with a college staff is arguably the top factor in his recruitment, and Florida definitely checks that box early on. He is excited about the possibilities of playing for a secondary coach who came from the NFL, but it’s also the home-like feel when being around them. Fitzgerald’s extended time around Harris and Billy Napier during his official visit was needed and the Gators passed the test with ease. It doesn’t hurt that childhood friend and Gators cornerback, Jason Marshall, has vouched for Harris as well.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

The post The 3-2-1: Gators safety target Bryce Fitzgerald appeared first on On3.