BREAKING NEWS: Florida Gators legacy Brown knows what the Gators have to offer

Billy Napier has made it a priority to attract Florida Gators alumni into the program, and several former players are on his coaching staff.

This year, numerous former players’ sons are being pursued by the Gators, including receiver Vernell Brown III (5-11, 170, Orlando, FL. Jones), who visited Gainesville in late January.

“Things are going well,” Brown said of his Florida recruitment. “I communicate with them several times each week. It was primarily with Coach G [Billy Gonzales] and Coach [David] Doeker, and I had a good stay; it was unlike any other visit I’d made to Gainesville before.”

Receivers coach Billy Gonzales and associate receivers coach David Doeker have made it clear to Brown how much he is desired in Gainesville.

“The message has consistently been how they want to coach me,” he added of the message from Gonzales and Doeker. “They want me to be a part of their program. We have a terrific relationship, and I like how we can discuss not only football but also life.”

Brown, whose father played in Florida and worked in Gainesville, says he understands his family history but is focused on making the best decision for his future.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” he answered when asked if being a Florida legacy would influence his decision. “I know my family were Gators, but my process is my process, and it’s about figuring out what is the best fit for me.”

While Brown intends to carefully consider all institutions, he believes the Gators are a squad that provides many advantages that only a few other schools can match.

“Florida is one of my top schools,” Brown added. “It’s Florida, one of the best programs and schools in the country. Its brand and traditions are distinct. There are just a few programs like that across the country, and Florida is absolutely one of them.

Brown has been heavily recruited by several institutions, including in-state schools, and the receiver intends to make a choice by the start of his senior year.

“There are a couple of schools recruiting me hard,” Brown said of his recruitment. “If the picture is clear enough, I hope to have a decision made by the end of the summer.”