Florida commit talks allure of Miami, official visits
Kadeem Telfort is committed to Florida, but when the Miami Booker T. Washington offensive lineman recently released a top 10 despite his commitment status, the pledge looked … well, less than stable.
Top-ten list aside, Miami has always seemed like the biggest threat to change Telfort’s mind and that feeling is only strengthening as the weeks pass. On Friday, Telfort talked about possible official visits, and the destinations he says are set in stone have a familiar feel.
“The only ones I know right now are Florida, Auburn and Miami,” Telfort said. “I don’t know about the other two visits, but I just know those.”
The Hurricanes pitch is simple. In centers on the program’s need for offensive linemen and the possibility for early playing time. The proximity to home, it seems, hasn’t hurt Miami’s chances either.
Telfort doesn’t have to squint to see the upside of staying close to his South Florida home. That much is clear.
“UM is telling me that if they keep all the stars from here in town, they will bring the program back to where it used to be,” Telfort said. “My mom likes them. My mom wants me to stay close and wants me to go there, but, at the end of the day, she says it’s my decision.”
Florida is aware of the situation. The Gators still have a grasp on the four-star tackle’s commitment. Still, that’s not to say the UF staff is taking anything for granted. Pledge or no pledge, the recruiting pitches continue.
“The best thing about Florida is that the coaches keep it 100,” Telfort said. “They’re always in contact and let me know everything straightforward. They tell me that if I want to come in and play, I’m going to have to compete for a spot. I don’t have any problem with competing.”
The No. 213 overall prospect in the class of 2017, Telfort says he won’t put much stock into how the upcoming season shakes out. On-field performance this fall won’t factor into his decision.
IN HIS WORDS: “I want to have a final decision done by late January. I’m going to take my visits and figure it out,” Telfort said. “I might take the other two visits to UCF and Purdue.”
RIVALS REACTION: Booker T Washington High School is a pipeline program for Miami and, with Telfort’s mother in the Hurricanes’ corner, Mark Richt’s program might be tough to hold off down the stretch. That’s said, Telfort remains committed to Florida. The pressure is on Miami – and, to a lesser extent, others -- to change his mind. This is a battle that could rage on until Signing Day.