Florida still in play for this elite offensive lineman
Offensive line coach John Hevesy has struggled to recruit offensive linemen for Florida, but the Gators are still in the hunt for four-star tackle Julian Armella. The 6-foot-6-inch, 295-pound lineman plans on taking an official visit to Florida before committing, according to 247Sports.
Alabama, LSU, Florida State and Miami are Florida’s competition and Armella plans to narrow down his options to four schools soon. He’s expressed interest in joining his former St. Thomas Aquinas teammates on the LSU offensive line, but Florida has its own St. Thomas alumni to counter.
“Derek Wingo is over there,” Armella said to 247Sports. “I got a bunch of guys over there. I really like what they’re doing. [Hevesy] is a really good dude. Same thing with Dan Mullen.”
Armella praised the Gators staff in late August as well and seemed eager to see how the Gators performed during the season. If Hevesy can add him to the 2022 class, missing out on guys like Jacob Hood and Leyton Nelson will sting far less.
Tony Livingston, a converted tight end, is the only four-star lineman in the 2022 class so far. Armella is ranked as the twelfth best offensive tackle on the 247Sports Composite list and is at No. 126 overall. Rivals is more bullish on Armella, listing him at No. 4 in the nation overall and as the best offensive tackle in the country. One crystal ball projection has him going to Florida State, but that’s from 2019 and the FSU legacy has seen the Seminoles recent fall.
With crowds back at full capacity, Armella’s visit to the Swamp may be crucial if Hevesy and the Gators are to get back on track.
Related
Stephen A. Smith and Tim Tebow bet on Florida-Alabama game
Gators make top five for this in-state 4-star linebacker
Where does Florida's 2022 recruiting class stand in ESPN's rankings?
Key Gators linebacker reportedly out for the year
Scouting the film on Gators 3-star commit G Jalen Farmer
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
