Florida five-star DT David Stone sets two official visit dates
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
BRADENTON, Fla. – The recruiting process for any five-star prospect is exciting, but following along with David Stone’s journey is a step above. Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon, Florida, Miami, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Washington, Ohio State, and Texas A&M have been among the teams waging a recruiting war in an attempt just to get Stone on campus for an official visit. The persistence has worked for two teams with June dates set, the rest continue to fight for one open spot next month.
Earlier this month, Stone shared he was looking to set official visit dates with Oregon, Michigan State, and Oklahoma with a spot this fall set aside for A&M. The IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) defender updated his recruitment.
“Right now, I’m just trying to get everything finalized,” Stone said. “There are a lot of schools battling for the same weekend. The ones that haven’t been battling are already locked in. Once I get all the schools locked in, I will release the list for everyone to see.”
The decision making and date setting goes back to Stone’s mom.
“Really, it is if my mom enjoys the school,” Stone shared. “She’s been one of the people in my recruiting process heavily. I feel like if she’s going to love the place, I’m going to love the place even more; I have been saying that for the longest. Wherever she feels is a great place, I’m going to say, “let’s get in”. I’ve told her a few schools that have been coming to me; I let her know, and she marks it down on her calendar. Whatever dates are open, we’ve been setting them.”
Two coaching staffs have worked their magic with dates locked in for June.
“Oklahoma is set for (June) 16,” Stone stated. “I was supposed to go to the OT7 (Overtime 7) finals that weekend, but I feel this is more important. Florida, I believe, is set for the very first weekend.”
Originally from Oklahoma, the Sooners have history and time built in with Stone.
“I have been heavily involved with them; they talk to me a lot,” Stone said. “They talk to me about everything, football, off the field things – everything. If I can say there is a staff that I am comfortable with, it would be them and Michigan State. I have been close with them for the longest.”
The wild ride with the Gators is paying off.
“I have been very high on Florida for the longest time,” Stone shared. “I’ve had a fun trip with them. The Florida rollercoaster has been all over the place, but I have really enjoyed it. My first visit there I fell in love with the place, and I couldn’t wait to take another visit.”
There are two possible open dates for Stone to take two paid for trips or just one depending on what Stone and his family want to do.
“The date we are trying to fill is the 12th and/or the 9th,” Stone stated.
The contending teams were listed, “Oregon, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Miami.”
If it is A&M or another team, taking officials this fall is an option that is on the table.
“I feel like if I don’t find the school for me in June, then, yeah, that option is always open,” Stone said. “I have three bye weekends; dates will be filled by then.”
Stone’s commitment could come in June or whenever the time is right.
“I’m not in a rush to commit,” Stone shared. “Whenever I feel like I found the place for me, I will be ready to commit.”
Previous teams that were likely official spots were Ohio State and Miami. This is what Stone said in the May 4 RNG released interview.
“Ohio State, I’m not sure which dates they have for official visits,” Stone shared. “My mom, she has been talking to them. I don’t have one set for Miami either; I am sure it will come soon.”
During that same interview two Pac-12 teams were serious contenders.
“Oregon and Washington’s official visits are on the same weekend,” Stone stated. “We are trying to decide which one we will take. That will be a big decision to make.”