Hammond compares Florida to Ohio State

MIAMI -- When it comes to the recruitment of Josh Hammond, the prevailing thought is that the Hallandale (Fla.) High School receiver is drawn to Florida. The reasons for that are many.

Hammond's brother attended UF. He visits there fairly often and is beyond familiar with the new Gators' coaching staff. Still, the three-star receiver disputes the idea of a single frontrunner.

"I wouldn't say [the Gators] have separated themselves or anything just yet," Hammond said on Friday.

Asking which schools are coming after him the hardest gets a different answer. That, the high school junior doesn't mind discussing. According to Hammond, Ohio State and Florida are most involved at this juncture. Hammond has visited both campuses in the past and has opinions on both. He's also not blind to the differences between the two.

"Florida is different because I've been there since I was young," Hammond said. "When I go there, I know what to expect. Ohio State is different. It's more of a college town, I'd say. It's just different. It's weird, but it's a good weird."

Tennessee and Alabama are also involved in Hammond's recruitment, but the Crimson Tide is yet to make things official with an offer. Hammond plans to visit schools such as Duke, N.C. State and others as part of a summer recruiting tour with his high school team.

Hammond will commit sometime this summer, as he plans to graduate high school a semester early in order to join the college of his choice in time for spring practice.