OT John Campbell breaks down his Junior Day visit, recruitment plans

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Florida’s first “Junior Day” for the 2018 class attracted several prospects in the Rivals and 247Sports composite rankings.

But despite having 23 scholarship offers, offensive tackle John Campbell remains unranked by 247Sports, Rivals and Scout.

The 6-foot-5, 280-pounder out of Dr. Phillips High in Orlando has picked up offers from the likes of Auburn, Georgia and LSU, but the Gators have yet to offer the in-state product.

But if Campbell, who spent Saturday in Gainesville meeting with the coaching staff, knows something, he’s not letting on.

“I’ll just say that I’ll just hear good news soon,” Campbell said. “They showed a lot of interest in me. And coach McElwain, they showed me the new blueprints of what they’re going to build, the new facilities. Basically they were just showing a lot of interest in me.”

Seeing as he’s just a 90-minute drive from Gainesville, it was hardly the first time Campbell has made the trip to UF’s campus.

He participated in Florida’s “Big Man” camp in July, where prospects had a chance to run through drills with Florida offensive line coach Mike Summers and the staff.

But with Summers in Louisville, Saturday was the first opportunity for Campbell to meet new UF offensive line coach Brad Davis.

After a quick meeting, Campbell said his first impression with Brad Davis was nothing but positive.

“I could feel we have the same type of fire when it comes to football,” Campbell said. “The truth is, he’s a great coach overall.”

It’s early in the 2018 class cycle, which is reassuring to prospects like Campbell who have yet to receive validation from recruiting services.

While he’s yet to finalize any camp plans, Campbell said he anticipates visiting as many programs as possible.

Considering he holds double-digit offers and it’s nearly a year until his signing day, Campbell isn’t stressing the near future of his recruitment.

“I don’t really know what’s on my agenda, I just go with the flow,” Campbell said. “Whenever any college invites me to a Junior Day or something, I’ll just see what’s on my schedule and I’ll just go to it.”

When it comes to Florida’s Orange and Blue Debut Game on April 7, Campbell said he “most likely” will be in Gainesville to take it in.

“I haven’t really looked into it yet,” Campbell said. “But yeah most likely I’ll be there.”

As for how his parents feel about his recruitment, and whether or not the Gators have an advantage due to proximity?

“I haven’t had any relatives go to Florida, no,” Campbell said. “My parents don’t really care where I go, just not too far.”

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