16 ATH Byrd still solid on Gators
Class of 2016 four-star athlete Tyler Byrd of Naples (Fla.) has been committed to Florida since June of 2013. After learning Gators coach Will Muschamp will be dismissed following the season, his commitment remains intact.
"It's a tough loss," the 5-foot-11, 160-pound Byrd said. "I like coach Muschamp and I was looking forward to playing with him, but it doesn't affect how I feel about the Florida Gators and my commitment. I'm still solid."
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Byrd said the strength of his verbal commitment is at "95 percent." He's built a relationship with Gators assistants Travaris Robinson and D.J. Durkin and said the fate of the Gators assistants will impact his standing with Florida.
"It's really important because the relationship I've built with T-Rod," Byrd said. "If (the incoming coach) brings in his own guys that's going to play a big part in this."
As it stands, Byrd maintains regular contact with the current staff with the two sides last in touch two weeks ago.
"T-Rod was just telling me how they were doing and how they were just trying to rebuild, really," Byrd said. "He said they have a good program and hard workers and they are working on being Florida again and how they were in years past."
Byrd said he plans on reaching out to the staff sometime this week.
"I'm sure if I reached out we could talk about it," he said. "I'll probably reach out later in the week. I'll just let everything cool down then talk to them."
Byrd is being recruited as a defensive back and if there's a silver lining in Florida's lackluster season, it's that the defense has held up its end for the most part.
"The defense has always been solid," Byrd said. "I like watching those guys play."
Whether it's coaching or just bad luck, Byrd admits it's been difficult to watch Florida struggle. He also believes the team is better than its record.
"It's been hard," Byrd said. "Especially growing up and watching how good they were in years past. To watch them now - it's tough. Honestly, the score reflects differently than what the players are. I think they have a solid group."
"They're not really coming at me," Byrd said. "I haven't communicated with them since our initial contact."
