Shaw impressed with Meyer and the Gators
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Posted by Greg Biggins
A few weeks ago, Ohio State looked to be in the lead for Under Armour All-American defensive back Joshua Shaw (Palmdale, Calif./Palmdale). After the cornerback visited Florida this past weekend, the gap has been narrowed dramatically.
The Buckeyes have been doing very well with Shaw for some time, but the Gators gave the athlete a lot to think about this past weekend.
"I loved it there and really love the coaches," Shaw said. "I feel so wanted by the staff and especially by coach [Urban] Meyer. Out of all the schools recruiting me, coach Meyer is the only head coach that is personally recruiting me and that is huge to me.
"There's always a ton of talent and speed in Florida, so for coach Meyer to take the time to personally recruit me shows how bad they want me. Coach Meyer told me they like my size and feel I could be like Janoris Jenkins and Joe Haden who both started as true freshman. The talk is Joe will come out early for the draft this year so there will be a starting spot open and I could come in and compete for it."
Shaw compared the overall atmosphere at Florida and Ohio State.
"Both places are loud, but Ohio State was louder and more crazy," Shaw said. "Football is just different in Ohio, it's a religion there. The cities are a lot different as well. Gainesville is more of a college town and Columbus is a big city, more like Los Angeles in how big and spread out.
"I spent more time at Ohio State since it was a night game and got to bond with the players more there. Plus I've been there twice. At Florida, I didn't get to spend as much time with the players so I'm thinking about heading back there for an unofficial visit so I can do that.
"Right now, it's very close at the top and I'm going to hold off naming a leader until I take all five of my visits. I'm going to visit Notre Dame, Michigan and Oklahoma. I crossed LSU off my list and I'll take an unofficial visit to USC as well."