Anonymous Recruit Interview: Learning about the recruiting process

FlaVarsity: How much pressure did you get from people you personally know to go to a certain school? Did people try to tell you where to go?

Recruit: I received plenty of pressure. I was asked by numerous recruits to join their school so that we can play together. It was very difficult, and I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

FlaVarsity: Tell me about what it's like to have fans always blowing up your Twitter. Did you like that attention or did it get to be too much?

Recruit: It kind of takes you out of your comfort zone. You feel like a celebrity a little. It's so fun because at one point, no college coach knew who you were and then it's like everyone wants to know you. But with that comes a lot of tribulations, like jealously.

FlaVarsity: I'm sure a lot of reporters from various websites always tried to get interviews with you, but did it get annoying to always have to talk to reporters? What is it like to be asked questions from them over and over again?

Recruit: No. It was never annoying to me. I feel like recruits should be happy that reporters know who they are - a lot of kids are slept on.

FlaVarsity: Did coaches talk bad about other schools or coaches?

Recruit: Sure, of course coaches talked bad about other coaches, but not because of anything personal - everything is business and competition. So if they really like you, they are going to try their best to get you at their school.

FlaVarsity: So you were committed to (school the recruit was committed to) for a while before you signed, but you still could've changed your mind at any moment. How did you compare and contrast schools? What factors were most important to you?

Recruit: Really, what meant the most to me was where I can feel the most at home, compete for a spot, work, and get me to the next level.

FlaVarsity: How much did you care about getting a good ranking on Rivals/scout/247/ESPN? Did you care about that stuff?

Recruit: I had (big number) D1 offers. I didn't understand why I didn't get as much attention at times, but it is what it is. Everyone has their own opinion, but I don't feel like there was too many (recruit's position) better than me.

FlaVarsity: When you were committed, how did you treat other schools that were still recruiting you? Did you seriously consider them?

Recruit: Sure, I treated everyone with absolute respect, even though I knew I wasn't actually going to go to their school. I took a few schools serious (two SEC schools and an ACC school), but I love where I am going.