Rivals250 DE raves about Florida visit

As both a recruit and a fan of the game, Atlanta (Ga.) Westminster Academy and 2015 Rivals250 watch list defensive end Russell Ude has seen a lot of college football games. But he said nothing he's witnessed compared to what he saw during his unofficial visit to Gainesville for the Tennessee game earlier this month.

"It was crazy and that atmosphere was like nothing I've ever seen before," The 6-foot-3, 251-pound Ude said. "I've never been in a game day atmosphere like that. Outside of the stadium there's a lot going on and it's a college town so everyone is focused on the game. I just felt a lot of energy on campus. I liked the campus, the coaches, everything about it."

While the Gators have yet to offer, Ude said he's been in regular contact with the Florida coaches and they gave him special instructions prior to the game.

"I was told to watch Dante Fowler and Ronald Powell and those guys were getting after it the whole game," Ude said. "I'd like to be able to do what they're doing. I liked the scheme they used because they shift around from a 3-4 to a 4-3 and you get to play both and do everything without having to move inside."

With such a good visit in the books, Ude is hoping that the Gators join Miami as the second Florida school on his offer list.

"I think an offer is very possible but I know they want to see some more junior film," he said. "From what they're saying they've been watching me for a while and they're definitely interested."

Ude recently added Michigan State to his offer list as well and said he's still learning about the Spartans program.

"I don't know too much really," he said. "They messaged me on Facebook on Sept. 1 and I've been talking with [offensive coordinator] Coach Warner and he told me a couple of days ago that they wanted to offer. We've talked online but we haven't had a full conversation yet."