Gators, Vols lead for elite LB

It’s shaping up to be a classic SEC skirmish between Florida and Tennessee for one of the Palmetto State’s top prospects.

Four-star Bennettsville (S.C.) Marlboro County linebacker Robert Ayers says is he was making his decision today, it would likely be the Gators or Vols.

“I just feel real comfortable with those two right now,” he said. “The times I’ve been around those two schools, I just felt like they were the best fit for me. I feel great about the coaches and facilities and the way they work with guys and get them ready for a chance to play in the NFL.”

Ayers (6-3, 218, 4.68) plans to visit Tennessee on Jan. 16 and Florida on Jan. 23. He also has a mid-week trip scheduled for N.C. State on Jan. 19 and has not dropped Florida State from his list of finalists yet. He may still visit the Seminoles on Jan. 30, giving them one final opportunity to make a big impression.

Asked what differentiates Florida from Tennessee at this point, he offered the following:

“They’re both big-time programs in the SEC and they get a lot of exposure. They have great coaches and facilities. But when you look at the schools, they have a different atmosphere to them. I think Florida is probably a better environment, as far as the state goes. It’s not that Tennessee is bad, but I like the surroundings down in Florida a little better. There’s a lot more places to go and things to do.”

Ayers capped his senior season by recording 112 tackles and four interceptions. He is rated the No. 10 inside linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com.