Cincinnati is first offer for 2019 quarterback

Curt Casteel’s first offer was bound to come eventually.

The likely starter at powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Casteel was eventually going to collect college options. And, as it turns out, eventually arrived last week.

Cincinnati delivered Casteel’s first opportunity, and the offer is one with which the sophomore quarterback hopes to learn more about. With more than a year before he’ll sign a letter of intent, the class-of-2019 prospect intends to bide his time.

Casteel is acutely aware that his recruitment is in its infancy. That much is clear.

“I haven't talked to the [Cincinnati] coaches much but I know they just went through a change in their coaching staff, so I wouldn't mind meeting some of them,” Casteel said on Monday.

His measured approach extends to other school as well. According to Casteel, a number of coaches representing a number of programs have inquired about him during stops at his high school this spring. Still, one relationship seems more serious than the others.

“I've been talking to Coach (Doug Nussmeier) at Florida since last summer, when I went to their camp,” Casteel said. “I think he's coming to our spring game.”

Still, Casteel won’t rush into anything. Even in the event that an offer from Florida lands in his lap, he views his young recruitment as a long and winding process. His decision will be nuanced, sure, but Casteel won’t act as if his contact with Florida doesn’t excite him.

“I've been a fan of the Gators for a while and to pick up a offer would be sweet,” he said.

Casteel will participate in St. Thomas’ spring scrimmage on Thursday evening. Dozens of major college coaches attend the event eac year and this season will be no different. Jake Allen, whom Casteel backed up a at St. Thomas year ago, signed with Florida in February.

RIVALS REACTION: Casteel will have plenty of options. Whether or not Florida will offer, however, seems less certain. Much rests of the back of his upcoming junior season. And while a Florida offer would likely make UF the favorite to land his commitment, projecting what happens if the Gators don’t offer is more difficult. In Casteel’s case, it’s much too early to start speculating about Signing Day 2019.