The Florida Gators struggled to land blue-chip offensive linemen under the previous staff, but new coach Billy Napier is looking to fill the trenches with elite talent.
Four-star offensive tackle Payton Kirkland is emerging as an early priority target for UF, according to 247Sports. The 6-foot-6-inch, 325-pounder has been in contact with several members of the new staff, including Napier and offensive line coach Rob Sale. Things started to ramp up between the two parties after the 2022 signing class was complete, and Kirkland is noticing the differences between the new staff and the old one.
“I’ve liked the staff so far,” Kirkland said. “They are a lot different from the last staff. They are really pushing me hard and I’m just thankful for that, and glad to be a priority for them. We will see what happens in the future…
“This new staff is always breathing down your neck. They want to make it as hard as possible to not come there. I like the approach they are taking with…