Kirkland building a bond at FSU

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington four-star offensive tackle Denver Kirkland has said throughout the recruiting process that building a bond with assistant coaches will be pivotal to his final decision. During a multi-day visit to Florida State, Kirkland has had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with the Seminole's offensive line coach Rick Trickett.

"He is a great coach, a real great coach, but when we are out here it is just business," Kirkland said. "We are just trying to handle things and get in and get out.

"Coach Trickett was really showing me the classes of the current linemen and the ones that are leaving," Kirkland added. "He was talking about how he needs a guy at my position. He said if I come in and work, that I can have a starting job. He said it is my option."

Trickett is far from the only coach on Jimbo Fisher's staff that Kirkland has dealt with.

"I sat down with pretty much every coach here since we got here (yesterday)," Kirkland said. "We talked, we met. It has been really good. We are getting a great bond so far. They just told me to come out and work hard. They want me at my position. They aren't beating around the bush or sugar-coating anything as they said if you work, you can earn your position."

The Rivals250 offensive lineman has enjoyed his time in Tallahassee so much that he intends to return again during the season.

"I will get back up here," Kirkland said. "This will probably be one of my officials. I plan to take all five of my officials."

Kirkland has always spoken highly of Florida State, Miami, and South Florida. He says those three in-state schools are standing out but not necessarily his favorites.

"I do like those schools and they do stand out to me, but I don't have any tops or favorites right now," Kirkland said.

The South Florida offensive lineman said he is likely done with visits during the summer. He said his official visits will likely be after his season concludes and a decision will follow those.

"My timeline is that I plan to make the decision on Signing Day," Kirkland said.