SEC schools high on Raymond Cottrell's list early

PENSACOLA, Fla. — It is early, but Rivals is already starting to look ahead to the 2023 class to identify talent. One that stands out in Florida is Milton wide receiver Raymond Cottrell.

The 6-foot-2, 195 pound sophomore started getting offers before he got to high school. Tennessee offered first, then Florida State before he his first day at Milton. Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Miami have offered since and his recruitment is going well.

"This year has been difficult because of the coronavirus, but overall, I have offers, schools are starting to know about me and I doing my best to be noticed," said Cottrell. "I wanted to go to camps, I wanted to get on college campuses, and I wanted to be seen more back in the spring and summer, but things didn't workout like that this year.

"So now I am just playing hard this season and preparing to do that next year. I can't wait to get back out."

It is early in his recruitment, but Auburn has his attention early. Cottrell is teammates with Auburn commit Marquis Robinson and the two took a visit to the Plains last fall.

"I was at the at the Mississippi State game last year and I liked the crowd and the offense. I like how they run things, I like how the coaches treat the players and the team seems like one big family."

A rival of Auburn's is another school high on his list. Georgia had Cottrell on campus last summer and he liked the vibe in Athens.

"Georgia is just a good place. It is a great school and the people there really make it feel like family. The coaches knew me, they treated me well and coach Kirby Smart really impressed me when I was there. I love his energy."

Cottrell grew up watching Florida. The Gators are showing interest, but the in-state school has yet to offer. That is one he really wants.

"I always liked Florida growing up," said Cottrell. "I like the area, I grew up watching them because my dad is a big fan, I like the offense they run, and it is just a school with a lot of great history. It is an amazing school."

It is still the early stages of Cottrell's recruitment and he is not too familiar with most of the schools on his list. This year has not helped with that since he is not allowed to take visits and get face-to-face time with coaches. Expect his recruitment to move forward once we roll into 2021. He is on track to be one of the best in Florida's 2023 class.