Florida LB eyeing official visit to Minnesota in April

CELEBRATION, Fla. — Under PJ Fleck, Minnesota looks to be really attacking the south on the recruiting trail. The Gophers signed five prospects out of Florida in the 2018 class and they hope to sign at least that many in 2019.

One of their targets in 2019 is linebacker Jordan Richo out of Yulee and Minnesota offered in January. It was his first offer.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: "I was talking on the phone to coach [Joe] Rossi, the defensive backs coach for Minnesota and he is the coach that offered me last month," said Richo. "He gave my information to the linebacker coach and we have just went from them.

"Them being first to offer me means a lot. It showed me that they really want me. It did not matter to them that I did not have offers, so it felt great. It just showed me that they really like me, that they really want me and they think I can play for them.

"The coaches there told me that they like my speed and that they like how I can play sideline to sideline.

"I do not know a lot about the school yet. I know they are updating their facilities and that they are building a lot of new stuff, so I like that. I want to get up there for a visit. I know coach Fleck is doing a great job there.

"I am going to take my official visit in April. There is no date set yet, but me and the coaches have talked about the visit coming in April. I just want to see what the surroundings are like there and see if it feels like one brotherhood there.

"I know I like them a lot."

RIVALS REACTION: Minnesota did a great job recruiting the south last cycle and they hope to repeat that this year. Their staff has made Richo feel important and he is excited about his first visit up north. Florida, Florida State, Miami and a few other schools are showing interest, but no other offers yet. Minnesota will have a real chance to pull way ahead early in the spring when they get Richo and his family up there for a visit.