Gus Malzahn quickly gets to work recruiting for UCF
During his introductory press conference, newly-hired UCF head coach Gus Malzahn made clear his dedication to recruiting.
"We're going to put together a staff of great recruiters," Malzahn said. "We're going to recruit Florida like nobody else. We're going to recruit like our hair is on fire. We're going to go after the best players in America and we're not backing down to anybody. We've got a lot to offer here. We're going to put together a staff that will be able to do that.
"The unique thing about this is the last eight years, the footprint we'll be recruiting in, I've already got experience. I already know the top players, already know the coaches and everything that goes on. Florida will be our priority. But we'll also recruit Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. If we have relationships outside with a certain player, we will. We will spend most of our time in a six-hour circle."
Despite being just a one-man staff for now, Malzahn didn't waste time sending out offers to top prospects.
The first known offer was issued Monday night to Hewitt Trussville (Ala.) wide receiver Omari Kelly, a four-star prospect in the upcoming Class of 2022.
Several more players, all in the 2023 class, announced Tuesday night they had received offers as well.
The list includes Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips offensive lineman Payton Kirkland, Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola defensive end Derric LeBlanc, Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson defensive end Peter Woods, Oxford (Ala.) offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner and Gardendale (Ala.) defensive end Kelby Collins.
Kirkland, who just wrapped his sophomore season, already has offers from many top schools. He said he actually spoke with Malzahn on Monday night, but waited until Tuesday to announce he had received the offer.
"(Malzahn) said that I'm the top priority for the '23 class and they're going to recruit me as hard as possible," Kirkland said. "I'm blessed to be the first player he's offered in the '23 class."
Kirkland said he was excited about UCF's hire of Malzahn and will definitely take a closer look at the hometown school.
"Definitely, I'm considering UCF until my recruitment is shut down," Kirkland said. "Coach definitely has his players' best interest."
His other offers include Arizona State, South Carolina, West Virginia, Penn State, FIU, Cincinnati, Nebraska, Maryland, Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Arkansas, LSU, Auburn, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, Mississippi State, Florida, Miami, USC, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Michigan and Oregon.
Joiner, being from Alabama, was already quite familiar with Malzahn.
"I talked to Gus and congratulated him on the job today," Joiner said. "We were just talking about how he feels about UCF and the environment down there. We have always been close, so I was actually a no-brainer for him (to offer)."
Joiner added that he would definitely take a closer look at UCF as his recruitment unfolds with hopes to take a visit when the dead period eventually lifts.
His offer list includes Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Maryland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, West Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Arizona.