Four fall official visits in the works for four-star DB Fred Gaskin
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Instead of rushing into a commitment, Fred Gaskin (5-10, 183) is taking his time along the recruiting trail exploring options. As fellow 2024 prospects take official visits this summer and announce their verbal commitments, the four-star safety out of Vanguard High School (Ocala, Fla.) is opting for fall game-day trips to help decide his next level fit.
Teams have laid down 38 scholarship opportunities with one Sunshine State program picking up serious interest.
“Miami hasn’t offered yet, but coach (Jahmile) Addae (DB) and I are talking,” Gaskin said. “I went down there for the Legends camp and worked out. Coach Addae said he liked what he saw, liked my style of play, and how I have grown. He is keeping in touch with my dad and me. Right now, they are keeping in contact.”
A handful of teams are keeping heavy contact with Gaskin.
“Louisville, UCF, USF (South Florida), Indiana, and FSU (Florida State) is here and there,” Gaskin stated.
Dates to be set, four teams are putting together official visit weekends for the four-star defender.
“I have one planned for USF, FSU, I was just talking to the head coach at UCF, coach (Gus) Malzahn, and Louisville,” Gaskin shared.
Gaskin shared his thoughts on the four programs.
Florida State: “With FSU, coach (Patrick) Surtain (DB) and coach (Adam) Fuller (DC), those are the main guys I am talking to. But I think their safety room is full; we are not talking as much. They still want to bring me in for an official the second or third weekend in December.”
Louisville: “Coach Ron (English – DB), he was recruiting me at Purdue. Once he got the job at Louisville, he told me this is where I am at now and kept recruiting me. Coach Ron has had a good relationship with me and my dad since he was at Purdue. He came down during the spring to see me making sure everything is good.”
South Florida: “The new USF staff is from Tennessee, that staff kept recruiting me once they got to USF. They have been keeping up the relationship. Coach (James) Rowe (DB) came to USF from the Chicago Bears (DB); he and I are talking on the daily. Coach (Brett) Kean (QCA) is texting me a lot too.”
UCF: “UCF they offered not too long ago, but they have kept in good contact with me since then. I have been talking to their head coach lately. Coach Malzahn has been talking about what they are doing with the program. That relationship is picking up a lot.”
There are two possible destinations for Gaskin this month before summer visits close.
“I’m either going to Louisville or USF; I think I may go to Louisville at the end of July,” Gaskin shared.
Asked what is important to learn during the time spent with the Cardinals, Gaskin replied, “I want to learn more about the program, be around the coaches, and get a feel for the environment there. I want to see the vibe with the coaches and players; I want to see what they give off.”
Beyond official stops, the programs currently keeping Gaskin’s interest may get him on campus this fall on his own dime.
“Most of the schools named, is where I will try to go on unofficial visits this fall,” Gaskin said. “With Louisville, I am going there in July because I may not make it to their game this fall. It is difficult with a Friday night game getting up there for a Saturday game.”
*Click the link for the April 18 RNG interview with Fred Gaskin.