Billy Napier made a statement when he first arrived in Gainesville that he and his recruiting team would spare no efforts in dominating the radius around the University of Florida. However, while the staff has been balls-to-the-wall in the Sunshine and Peach States so far, they also have not limited themselves to just one segment of a very large country.
Among those outside of the usual crosshairs is three-star offensive tackle [autotag]Juan Minaya[/autotag] out of Paramus (New Jersey) Catholic, who recently set a visit date for his first-ever on-campus meeting with the coaches after receiving an offer back in January. The 6-foot-6-inch, 330-pound trench warrior told Gators Online that he plans on taking the trek to Hogtown on Thursday, March 23.
The high school junior’s recruitment has been spearheaded by assistant coach and offensive line coach [autotag]Darnell Stapelton[/autotag] with assistant coach and offensive coordinator Rob Sale also assisting in the efforts.
“My relationship is kind of just getting started with Florida,” Minaya told Gators Online previously. “I’ve seen (offensive line) coach Stapleton twice (at my school) and we connected instantly after getting on the phone. He is a genuine guy and just keeps it 100 always. He’s a Jersey guy and Jersey loves Jersey.
“What’s there not to like? Nice weather, palm trees, ocean, a quality program and awesome coaches. Also, they are in the SEC.”
Other schools also in the hunt for his talents include the Miami Hurricanes — who recently wooed Minaya on a visit to South Florida — along with the Boston College Eagles who get a visit on March 18, Duke Blue Devils on April 1 and Maryland Terrapins on April 8.
Minaya is unrated and unranked according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at No. 727 overall and No. 52 at his position nationally. The Hurricanes are currently out in front for the young man’s talents with a 50.4% chance of signing him, while the Penn State Nittany Lions, Terrapins and Michigan State Spartans lag behind at 22.6%, 10.1% and 8.4%, respectively — all of whom have received visits over the past year.
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