Gaines reveals top 5
Class of 2016 quarterback Xavier Gaines of Lake Wales (Fla.) said his top five are Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Clemson in that order.
He'll be at Florida State on Wednesday for the Jimbo Fisher Football Camp before going to Auburn for the weekend.
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The Tigers are Gaines' leader because of how he feels he fits in with them.
"I have a good relationship with (Auburn quarterbacks coach Rhett Lashlee) and (running backs coach Tim Horton)," said Gaines, who stands at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds. "The offense we run is what our school runs so it's a perfect fit for me.
"When I go there this weekend, I'm going to throw in front of them so I hope to have an accurate arm and show them what I can do. I'll get to know the coaching staff a little bit more and meet some of the players."
The Seminoles are the hometown team.
"I have a good relationship with (quarterbacks coach Randy Sanders)," he said. "I like them because coach Jimbo Fisher produces quarterbacks that make it to the league like Christian Ponder, E.J. Manuel and Jameis Winston, who's going to be a top pick some day. It's also a nearby school."
Gaines said he has regular contact with Notre Dame and he will make someone in his family very happy if he goes there.
"My dad has always been a diehard Notre Dame fan," Gaines said. "He was excited when they offered. I have a good relationship with (quarterbacks coach Matt LaFleur), I talk to him every other week."
He hasn't had much contact with Ohio State or Clemson, but they're in his top five because of he likes how they use their quarterbacks. He said he's going to work on his relationships with the coaching staffs and visit as soon as he can.
"I'm a running-type quarterback and great quarterbacks go to Clemson," he said. "I feel like I can fit in and do what Tajh Boyd does."
"With Ohio State, Urban Meyer is goo with dual threat quarterbacks like Tim Tebow and Braxton Miller."
Gaines currently holds 11 offers and would like to get one from Texas, Texas A&M and Oregon. He plans on making a decision next spring.
"I want to see some more offers roll in," he said.
Gaines threw for 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 680 yards and 8 touchdowns last season.