Florida's mess could be windfall for UT recruiting

Vladimir Richard and Gerald Williams.

"If they get Steve Spurrier back, I wouldn't mind playing for him," Williams said. "(If not), It would do a lot to put Tennessee in the driver's seat."

Williams, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound linebacker from Boyd Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., said he and Richard will go through the recruiting process together. Richard is a 6-4, 250-pound defensive lineman from Piper High School in Sunrise, Fla.

Williams has received scholarship offers from Florida State and LSU. Richard has received scholarship offers from Georgia and North Carolina State. UT is interested in both which could play in the Vols' favor.

"We're like brothers," Williams said. "We're going to the same college."

Williams and Richard met through middle-school football. The two struck up a friendship despite playing for each team's archrival.

The relationship continued into high school when they played on the same traveling basketball team . Both committed to play football at Florida in July.

Williams maintains that he is still committed to Florida but Gator coach Ron Zook's dismissal on Monday has him looking for other opportunities.

"It kind of hurt me," Williams said of Zook's firing. "It opened up doors for other people."

Boyd Anderson coach Lawal McCray said Williams intensity sets him apart.

"He's a spark plug and a leader," McCray said. "We were trailing Plantation high school 42-7 with three minutes to play.

"Gerald called the defense together and said, 'There's three minutes left in the game. Let's make a play.' "

Williams and Richard have heard from UT's newest commitment -- and recruiter -- defensive back Demetrice Morley of Miami Killian.

"He's a great guy," Williams said of Morley who committed to Tennessee last weekend. "He's trying to get us up there. He is pretty convincing. He's a great player. If it works for him, then it can work for us. We all have the same vision."

Williams and Richard committed to Florida shortly after Morley. In order to follow Morley once again, Williams and Richard will have to visit Knoxville.

Both are scheduled to visit on Nov. 6 for the UT-Notre Dame game. Williams said he wasn't sure that would be the date. However, he was adamant that a visit to Knoxville would be forthcoming.

"Just to get up there and see the atmosphere," Williams said. "And to see the coaches and the academics program."

Williams said any school recruiting him best not suggest moving him to the defensive line. Williams said he only wants to play linebacker.

Richard is a player who may have only scratched the surface of his athletic ability.

"He's probably one of the most athletic, big kids I've seen in a long time," said Piper coach Jim Mathesin. "If you get him in the weight room, he's going to explode. He's got the foot speed. It's the strength he's got to get going."

Now is the time for Tennessee and other schools to sport their recruiting wares in Florida. Zook's firing is sending shockwaves across one of the most talent-rich states in the nation.

"There are some kids backing out and looking elsewhere," McCray said. "Kids are going to be a little shaky not knowing who's coming in. They're going to be very hesitant until the new coach comes in."

Florida has said it will not hire a coach until December. Anybody but Spurrier looks good for Tennessee.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He may be reached at hookerd@knews.com.