3-star OT Marcus Mascoll commits to Florida over LSU and NC State

When Marcus Mascoll left LSU earlier this month, the buzz was that the Tigers were going to be very tough to beat. There was some talk behind the scenes that Mascoll may have even made his decision while in Baton Rouge.

That didn’t happen. On3’s No. 28 offensive tackle took his official visit to Florida a week later and things quickly changed. The race got tighter over the second weekend in June, and a day or two later, the 6-foot-4.5, 290-pounder out of Snellville (Ga.) South Gwinnett knew he wanted to be a Gator.

“The official visit to Florida really opened my eyes,” Mascoll told On3. “For a while, LSU was on top, but my official visit changed things. I spent more time around the coaches, I was around the players a lot and the official visit sealed the deal.”

Mascoll left Gainesville a little over a week ago. He got home, talked things over with his family and made his decision two days after his visit ended. He feels about his future at the Swamp.

“Coach Rob Sale, Coach Darnell Stapleton and Coach Billy Napier all emphasized how big of a priority I was for them. Florida has a great coaching staff, they have a great supporting cast and it is something I want to be a part of.

“I also love the scenery, the feeling is surreal down there and I feel I can maximize every bit of my ability there. I think Florida can really help get me where I want to go.”

Florida now has 14 verbal commitments.

Mascoll likes the Sale and Stapleton duo

Florida has two offensive line coaches and both recruited Mascoll. He is excited about learning from them both.

“I like them both,” Mascoll said. “Both really recruited me and both were big factors in my commitment. I think playing for two offensive line coaches really speeds up the development. They can help me learn the plays faster, teach me the technique better and I get developed faster playing for Coach Sale and Coach Stapleton.”

Mascon has strong relationships with the duo. They are similar but different.

“Coach Stapleton is great to be around. He is a family guy. He is fun. I have a great time around them both. Coach Sale kind of comes off a little grittier. They are both just great guys and both are very good coaches. I am excited about being coached by good dudes that are fun to be around.”

Napier has Mascoll’s confidence

He was close to going to play for Brian Kelly. NC State and Dave Doeren were in the running for Mascoll too. But Napier is the head coach Mascoll has decided to play for.

“Coach Napier is a great guy,” Mascoll said. “We have talked a lot. He and the whole staff priority, so I have a great relationship with him too. He is a coach that trusts the process and he and his staff are bringing in a great recruiting class.”

Mascoll believes he will be part of something special in Gainesville.

“Big things are coming under Coach Napier. He is going to build Florida back up. He knew it would be tough in year one, but I believe I will be part of a championship team when I get there.

“The coaches are big on development, and especially with the recruiting class coming in, we have something big coming. I am going to Florida to do what guys go to Florida to do, do something great. I believe we will do that playing for Coach Napier.”