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Recruiting Notebook: Gators Interested In Plant's Murray

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 28, 2008

When Plant quarterback Aaron Murray arrived at the University of Florida a little after 9 a.m. on Sunday for Junior Day, he was the first one there.

And while Murray, his family and Plant coach Robert Weiner waited in Florida coach Urban Meyer's office for the rest of the underclassmen to arrive, the Florida coaches got some business out of the way before the campus tour began. It was in that setting that the Gators extended a scholarship offer to Murray.

"This is definitely exciting because I've been around Florida for a long time," Murray said. "I've been going to their camps since I was a freshman. It's really, really exciting right now."

The Gators join a long list of colleges, including SEC rivals Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee, to make an offer.

In other Plant news, wideout Derek Winter received an offer from Virginia and will visit the campus this weekend.

GROSSI NARROWING CHOICES: Jefferson quarterback Zack Grossi has learned all about patience since football season ended.

Grossi, Hillsborough County's second leading passer, wasn't caught up in a flurry of recruiting activity like others in the county. He read on Web sites how others were committing, while he waited to learn where he would play at the next level. On Monday, Grossi will find that out.

He could be hearing something from Georgia Southern and if it offers him a scholarship, Grossi's prepared to take a visit this weekend.

BELL IMPRESSED WITH COLORADO STATE: Earlier this week, Colorado State decided to jump in on the Justin Bell bandwagon. Days later, the 5A first-team all-state defensive back from Chamberlain was on his way to Fort Collins.

On Sunday, Bell said he didn't receive an official offer from Colorado State, but said the program won him over.

Bell said the coaching staff told him they have six scholarships available and would contact him this week with their decision.

STANFORD NO. 1 ON ZYCHLINSKI'S LIST: King punter Daniel Zychlinski said Stanford is now his No. 1 choice after visiting the Pac-10 school over the weekend.

"Stanford has the perfect blend of academics and athletics," Zychlinski said.

Zychlinski visited Toledo last weekend and is debating whether he'll make another visit.

BERKELEY'S BARNES LIKES VANDERBILT: Berkeley Prep quarterback/defensive back Archie Barnes really enjoyed his visit to Vanderbilt this weekend, so much he said he's willing to wait until 2009 to play for the Commodores.

On Sunday, Barnes said Vanderbilt offered him a "gray shirt", meaning he would not report to practice until Jan. 2009.

WILDCAT RECRUITING: Wharton defensive end/linebacker Aaron Afree got a visit from FAU coaches in the middle of last week and by Friday, he was on his way to Boca Raton. Although the 6-foot-5, 225-pound standout left FAU with an offer Sunday, he did not commit.

Afree said he will explore his options since FIU and Elon are also interested. Meanwhile, Wharton linebacker Josh Powell said on Sunday he's 85-90 percent sure he will attend West Point, but is "keeping the doors open" just in case.

Katherine Smith, Nick Williams

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