Although the coaches were unable to tour Donovan McMillon Around the Florida campus, a trip to campus last month was enlightening and beneficial.
So, after cutting his list to five schools on June 1, Canonsburg Township (Peters.) Peters made his decision Saturday and committed to the Gators.
“He decided to choose the University of Florida Gators,” McMillon’s father Darrin told 247Sports. “Once we got to Gainesville, Donovan felt a weight being lifted off his shoulders. The campus, the city, the sights, etc., felt good. He loved the design of the campus academically, it is very advantageous for football facilities and campus accommodation. “
VIP: Analysis of what Donovan McMillon brings to Florida’s defense
The 6-foot-2-inch, 193-pound McMillon also had Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma and Oregon as its finalists. After launching her top five, McMillon made trips to Texas A&M, Florida, and Virginia Tech to tour the campuses and get a feel for the design of each. She did not make trips to Oklahoma or Oregon.
And McMillon not only liked the vibe he had while in Florida, his combination of academics and SEC soccer was also crucial in his decision.
“This is one of the few schools in the country that is ranked in the top ten academically and athletically,” said McMillon. “Coach (Dan) Mullen and his staff have continued to be outstanding during this recruitment process.
“Coach (Oklahoma) Lincoln Riley, (Oregon) coach (Mario) Cristobal, (Texas A&M) coach Jimbo Fisher and (Virginia Tech) coach (Justin) Fuente made this decision very difficult. These head coaches, along with their staff, have been great during this recruiting process and I wish them all the best. A special thanks to them for recruiting and risking me. ”
McMillon is No. 7 safety and No. 145 prospect in the 247Sports ranking.
Relationships throughout the coaching staff also play a role in the decision.
“Defensive (Mullen) staff of defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and safety coach English rum they’ve carved exactly where they see Donovan playing in that top-tier high school, ”said his father. “His training style and technique is in step with what I and my co-DC teammate Troy Grunseth instilled in our defense at the secondary level.
“They really want to use Donovan’s attributes in the solid position of safety (fierce tackling skills, soccer acumen, unique covering abilities, size-speed-length combination) to their advantage.”
What also played a big role in the decision is what’s around the Florida campus. McMillon’s grandparents live two hours from the Gainesville campus, and that became an important part of their recruitment.
“That really means a lot to him,” said Elder McMillon. “Although he is a boy from Pennsylvania, he always wanted to play in good weather. Playing in Florida solves that problem. “
