Kirby likes the atmosphere in the Swamp: Florida Gators recruiting

On Saturday night the Florida Gators recruiting visitors list had a few 2018 prospects on campus to witness the Gators victory over North Texas.

Florida’s coaching staff has done a good job of getting in early on guys and one of those guys on campus was 2018 defensive end Stacy Kirby (6-3, 230, Orlando, FL. Jones) who enjoyed his time in Gainesville.

“It was a real amazing feeling, it was actually my first official game here,” Kirby said of the feeling in the Swamp. “I’ve been to their spring game before but I’m just real grateful that the coaches allowed me to visit.”

Kirby, who is considered one of the top 2018 defensive ends in the state was paying close attention to the Gators defense.

“The biggest standout was the defensive pressure Florida had,” he said. “The defense didn’t allow them to score and held the shutout through the whole. It was amazing to watch that.”

Defensive coordinator Geoff Collins and defensive line coach Chris Rumph are the two main guys after Jones and they had something they wanted the defensive end to watch on Saturday.

“Coach Collins and Coach Rumph are the two coaches from Florida,” Kirby said on the coaches from Florida who are recruiting him. “They both told me how good the defense was going to be and it was just amazing to see it for myself. They worked hard.”

Rumph also met with Jones after Saturday night’s victory and the defensive end liked the message he received.

“Coach Rumph just shows me some hope because they see so much in me as a player,” he said of Rumph’s message. “They say they’re proud of what I’m doing on and off the field.”

As Jones stated earlier this was the first visit to Gainesville for a game but he says a few things stand out about the Gators.

“The atmosphere and at home feeling they give off there,” he said of the main thing that stands out at Florida. “They have a good relationship with each player and just how they treat everyone here is good.”

Florida isn’t the only team recruiting Jones hard as three schools the Gators are familiar with are after the defensive end.

“Florida State, Ohio State and Miami have been recruiting,” Kirby said of the other team’s recruiting him. “Florida State has been recruiting me real heavy. They all just are telling me good things and how I can grow as a player and person.”

 

INSIDERS TAKE: Kirby is one of the top defensive ends in the state for next year and is someone Geoff Collins has been after for over a year now. The Gators, Florida State and Miami will likely battle for his signature.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.