‘UM has that natural swagger’ — Miami visit makes big impression on four-star prospect Robert Stafford – Boston Herald

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Four-star prospect Robert Stafford has taken a look at Florida’s Big Three college programs in the last month, and Miami made a big impression on him after his visit over the weekend.

”It was definitely one of my favorite visits,” Stafford told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Monday. “I really enjoyed being around the coaches. They showed mad love. Just seeing how they interact with me and my family was really good.”

Stafford, a two-way 2023 standout from Melbourne Eau Gallie High, also visited Florida and Florida State in March. The Gators have the geographic advantage of being closest to Stafford’s home, and Stafford has gotten a good impression from the Seminoles. He said Miami coach Mario Cristobal was “really easy to talk to (and) really cool,” and that he thinks Cristobal, Florida coach Billy Napier and FSU coach Mike Norvell all seem to be turning their programs around.

“UF is the local school for me,” Stafford said. “Being from Brevard (County), all of the best players around here always went to UF, so there’s kind of a tradition of Brevard County to Gainesville pipeline.

“All of the FSU coaches have been genuine from Day 1. Coach Norvell came to our school in the winter, and we just vibed instantly. Seems like everyone’s on board to turn that program around up there.”

But the Hurricanes impressed Stafford with their attitude and with the amount of NFL alumni they’ve produced — including one Hall of Famer Stafford spent some time with while he was in Coral Gables.

“I think UM has that natural swagger with them,” Stafford said. “They have guys I grew up watching on TV all over the place. I talked with Ed Reed for a while. Crazy.”

Stafford has spent time at wide receiver and defensive back. He had 605 receiving yards and five touchdowns at wide receiver last season. On defense, he had 19 tackles, one interception, five pass breakups and a fumble recovery. He said the Hurricanes are recruiting him as a cornerback.

The Eau Gallie standout earned an invitation to the Under Armour All-America Game on Sunday and committed to the game later that evening. Stafford is listed as the No. 17 athlete and No. 233 player in the 2023 class by 247Sports’ composite rankings.

Stafford, who has three dozen scholarship offers, said he plans to narrow his choices down after spring football practice. Florida high schools can start practicing on April 25, and Eau Gallie will look to improve on its 3-7 record from last season.

“I think spring around here is going to be nuts,” Stafford said. “We also have one of the best linebackers in the country and probably the best freshman class in the country. So I’m going to let things play out after spring practice.”

Stafford said no matter where he ends up signing, he will try to make an impact the moment he arrives on campus.

“They should know that wherever I end up, they’re going to see a dog on the field,” Stafford said, “and I will be ready to compete Day 1.”

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