Florida football has been riding a hot streak this week on the recruiting front, earning crystal ball predictions as well as commitments from some top prep prospects in the upcoming classes. However, [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag] and Co. are also busy searching for diamonds in the rough as well.
Three-star defensive lineman Joseph Mbatchou, who is originally from Cameroon and plays high school ball for Loganville (Georgia) Grayson, made a verbal pledge to the Gators last weekend after stopping in for the program’s annual grill-out event.
The 6-foot-6-inch, 285-pound gridiron giant is still a bit new to the game having just a year of experience under his belt, but his raw potential is unquestioned at this point. It looks like the Gators are all in on developing his physical talents.
On Mbatchou’s commitment
“During the visit, I committed,” Mbatchou told Swamp247.
“They gave me information that I couldn’t get an exact answer from other schools. They laid everything out, so I could see everything. Most of the time I didn’t even have any questions because of how well they presented it.
“The people I met there, they changed my views on some things. I just got a feeling. A feeling they were genuine. We were all on the same page. That’s how I feel about the people at Florida.”
Where Mbatchou fits with Florida
“They see me as either a three-technique or an F. That’s what they told me. So I have been talking to both Coach Mike (Peterson) and Coach (Gerald) Chatman,” he offered previously.
“From what I saw this weekend from them, I think they are genuine people. It’s going to be easy to work, easy flow. Everything would be good. I got there on Friday evening actually, so I went up there to meet with all of them.
“I got to sit down and talk. Learn more about them as people, where their priorities lie, and what type of person and player they want to make me into. It was good getting to know them.
“If I choose to commit, I want to know I can put my full faith into who is coaching me. I believe in the same things they believe in. They’re all good people.”
Recruiting Summary
Mbatchou is ranked No. 1,239 overall and No. 131 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite plus a crystal ball prediction in favor of Florida. On3’s recruiting prediction machine gave the Gators an overwhelming 98.7% chance of landing him.
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