By JASON HIGDON
Regional Recruiting Analyst
Scout.com
It's been a wild start to a big week for the Florida football program. While much of the team's focus is on getting back to the winning side of things on Saturday against their SEC East rivals the Georgia Bulldogs, Florida also received two commitments on Monday. They added a third commitment Tuesday after Bradenton (FL) Manatee running back Mike Blakely picked the Gators over Auburn.
Mike Blakely is a 5-9, 193-pound running back who helped carry Manatee High School to the state title game last season.
Blakely was in The Swamp two weeks ago for Florida's game against LSU and said even during a loss, the gameday atmosphere at The Swamp was better than what he experienced in Auburn a few weeks earlier. He didn't base his decision solely on the atmosphere, but it certainly helped.
"I picked Florida," Blakely said. "Florida is where my heart is. Last Wednesday I told Urban Meyer that I was committing to Florida and he was crazy he didn't know what to do. I am blessed, the process has been crazy with emails, phone calls and text messages but I am very thankful for this opportunity that I have. It means a lot to me and my family loves Florida and for me to be Gator and play in Gainesville is special. I have great vision and balance and that's what separates me from other backs. Watch out because I am coming in with a great attitude and I am ready to play."
Stay tuned with FightinGators.com for a video interview from Laura McKeeman with Blakely.
