Billy Napier worked hard to get the right people on his staff to help change the culture at the University of Florida. The latest five-star recruit to be impressed by the changes in Gainesville is Warner Robbins (Georgia) defensive lineman Vic Burley.
“Way up at the top. They are way up there,” Burley told 247Sports’ Blake Alderman. “I love what they’re doing. GatorMade, that’s a real big improvement from the old coaching staff. They are really focused on the character development, really just trying to raise young men.”
There’s no doubt that Napier’s personal approach made a difference during Burley’s visit. Being treated as more than just a football player stood out to him as it has to so many other recruits since Napier took over.
Burley was also impressed by the intensity he saw on the practice field. He spent plenty of time with defensive line coach [autotag]Sean Spencer[/autotag], who would be his position coach at Florida. He was appreciative of Spencer’s ability to balance criticism and praise as a coach without going overboard in either direction.
“I really love what the coaches are about,” he said. “Coach Spence, coach Napier, coach (Jamar) Chaney. All of them. It was really a great atmosphere here. Really watching the practice I really love the tempo, the energy they have.”
Florida appears well-positioned in Burley’s recruitment following the visit, but upcoming trips to Clemson and Georgia next weekend could affect that standing. Oklahoma and Tennessee are some other programs standing out right now.
The plans are for Burley to make official visits in June and make a decision before the football season starts. An August commitment appears likely, but anything can happen when it comes to recruiting.
Burley is the No. 5 defensive lineman and the No. 35 overall recruit in the class of 2023, according to the 247Sports composite.
[mm-video type=video id=01fz4n7yzg6cer1x3fnn playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fz4n7yzg6cer1x3fnn/01fz4n7yzg6cer1x3fnn-a550a5f844547c5fe4ec9c5dfbbee09a.jpg]
[lawrence-related id=80671,80666,80669,80605,80595]
[listicle id=79833]
[listicle id=77787]
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.