Zay Mincey, ‘elite’ Florida Gators DB target, breaks down final 4
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA — How much of a priority is 4-star cornerback Zay Mincey of Mainland High to Florida Gators coach Billy Napier?
“He called me elite. Top of the top,” Mincey said.
With 22 commitments and the No. 3 recruiting class in the country, Florida has few remaining spots open. But Mincey is a prospect the Gators value a great deal.
He has a final four of Florida, Alabama, Florida State and Miami. The Gators lead in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine but the ‘Canes seem to be rising some. Additionally, he has talked up the Crimson Tide in recent interviews. Then you have the ‘Noles, who continue to hang around.
Gators Online caught up with Mincey, the No. 81 recruit in the country for the On3 Industry Rankings, after his game Friday night.
Gators Online: You’re planning on announcing your commitment at the All-American Bowl on Jan. 6. Why then? You had originally planned on doing it right around now.
Mincey: I’m still committing around this time I’m just going to announce it then. It was more of, just letting the world know who I am.
Gators Online: Will it be difficult giving a private commitment and not being able to tell anyone about it for four or five months?
Mincey: Yeah.
Gators Online: Have you told the school you’re going to yet that it’s getting you? If not, when will it happen?
Mincey: Not yet. Pretty soon. Me and my mom, we’re talking about the exact date right now. But pretty soon.
Zay Mincey says Florida, Alabama, FSU and Miami are his finalists
Gators Online: You’ve got a final four of Florida, Alabama, Florida State and Miami. What stands out most with the ‘Canes?
Mincey: Really just great environment, great coaches everywhere. From the top — Coach (Mario) Cristobal down to lowest position, they all just build people. (Secondary) Coach (Jahmile) Addae, you know what he’s talking about. Great dude.”
Gators Online: Are you definitely getting down there for a game?
Mincey: I’m going to try to.
Gators Online: What stands out about FSU?
Mincey: Great coach. Coach (Patrick Surtain). Knows what he’s talking about. I’ve sat in meetings with him and he teaches me up a little bit. And also, their recruiting class is really high so I see they’re bringing in good guys. So, that’s good competition.
Gators Online: Do you know when you’ll visit FSU again?
Mincey: No, but I wanted to go to the FSU vs. LSU game. Trying to do that.
Gators Online: What stands out about Alabama and is the Tide definitely getting an official visit?
Mincey: If not official, then unofficial. I’ve only been there once.
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Gators Online: And the best part about the Tide?
Mincey: Definitely just the competition. You’re playing against the best of the best day in, day out. You’re just going to get better every day.
Mincey thinks highly of UF’s secondary coach
Gators Online: Now what about Florida — what stands out with the Gators?
Mincey: (Secondary coach Corey) Raymond, he’s just a technician. He’s shown me like the EDDs, the drills they do every day. And the little things they do to help me get better. He’s good — he’s proven himself. He’s got a bunch of people he’s gotten into the league.
Gators Online: What’s your relationship like with him?
Mincey: He’s a cool dude. He an Omega — my uncle’s an Omega, too.. He’s a cool dude.
Gators Online: How involved is Gators coach Billy Napier with you?
Mincey: A lot. He tells us how he much he wants us all the time. We’re in like a group chat. With me and my mom. He just told me I’m elite. They classify their guys. He called me elite. Top of the top. Wants me to play there.
Gators Online: Does the fact Florida has the No. 3 recruiting class in the country mean anything to you?
Mincey: It definitely helps. Because you know they’re bringing in guys with you to work.
Gators Online: Does how Florida looks on the field this season matter to you?
Mincey: It doesn’t really matter how they play because I know that most of the teams right now they’re bringing in good classes. So it’s like a building process.
He thinks the Florida program is trending up on the field
Gators Online: Do you think the Gators are heading in the right direction?
Mincey: Yes, yes.
Gators Online: What makes you think that?
Mincey: Just the dogs they’re bringing in. They’re No. 3 right now — the recruiting class. And then what they did last year.
Gators Online: Will you be at the Florida -Tennessee game, which is the Gators’ first big home game?
Mincey: I don’t have any dates locked in for games yet. But I was thinking about that one.
Gators Online: Once you pick a school, will you keep visiting the others?
Mincey: Yeah, I still want to go see them.
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