When Florida announced the departure of inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman a day after the early signing period, plenty of fans questioned how the football program could withhold such information from its star signees in the position room.
The truth is that most of the people in Gainesville found out about Bateman’s decision at the same time the recruits who signed did. Four-star legacy linebacker [autotag]Myles Graham[/autotag] might be the defensive face of the 2024 Florida recruiting class, and even he was in the dark on Bateman’s move, according to Swamp247’s Blake Alderman.
“I was very surprised by it,” Graham said to Alderman. “I kind of found out how everyone else found out, through social media. It’s no hard feelings with him”
Even though Graham didn’t take the move personally, it still affected him.
“I was very shocked because I had been committed to him for almost two years. That was really my guy. We got close over that span. I love him to death, but he just did what was best for he and his family. It was surprising, but it was good for him. We are both going to do our thing, and go our separate ways, and we will see each other at the top.”
Graham said that Billy Napier found out on the same day everyone else did. The Florida head coach made sure to reach out to Graham and explain the situation, ensuring the blue-chip talent signed would have somewhat of a say in the hiring process.
After three straight losing seasons, Florida desperately needs to find some success in 2024. The Gators face what many consider the toughest schedule in the country, but Graham says that the team has the talent to win. Coming together as a unit will be the key.
“I think we need leadership,” he said. “I think we need guys to rally together, and put their all into the field. We got the talent, we just just need to have the right play callers in the right place for us to be successful. That’s one and off the field. We got a lot of work to do in the weight room, and all that. Learning the new scheme and coaches and everything. That is the best thing I can do.”
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