First Academy offensive lineman [autotag]Chancellor Barclay[/autotag] has been to Gainesville several times over the past year, but his most recent trip to the University of Florida for the Grill in the ‘Ville cookout was different from his previous visits.
He compared it to a Junior Day while speaking with Swamp247 recently. At Junior Days, the primary objective is to get to know coaches and players at your position only. Grill in the ‘Ville is all about spending time with the whole team and recruits at every position get to mingle with everyone.
“I know who they are, and they know who I am,” Barclay said of Florida. “They’ve invited me multiple times and have taken the time to get to know me. That’s what makes the talks with them different, and that’s a good thing for me. I have that bond and that chemistry. When you are at your lowest moment, you’re going to need a coach like that. People who can build you back up.”
It’s still very early in the class of 2026 recruitment process, though. Barclay isn’t ready to narrow things down to a list of top schools despite holding more than 20 offers. Still, it’s hard to imagine the Gators being left off that list when it does come.
“Florida is a team that is going to be high on my list because of how long they’ve recruited me, and how well they’ve gotten to know me,” he said.
Clemson, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Penn State are a few other teams that have put in some work lately. In-state programs like UCF and USF remain in the hunt as well.
Barclay plans on attending the season opener against Miami. He has high expectations for the matchup, and a Florida win could mean a lot for the Gators.
“I’m going to say this now, that game is going to be one of the best, if not the best games of the 2024 season. It’s a hot rivalry, team from Miami, team from Gainesville. Should be decent with two of the big three teams in-state playing at the loudest college football stadium in the country. It’s going to be a good game, and I will definitely be there.”
Recruiting Summary
Barclay is a three-star recruit according to 247Sports, ESPN and On3, but Rivals considers him a four-star talent and has him ranked No. 168 in the class.
The On3 industry ranking, which considers all four major services, grants him four-star status and has him at No. 307 overall and No. 26 among interior offensive linemen.
The On3 recruiting prediction machine considers Florida the favorite to land Barclay, giving the Gators 45.5% odds to end up being the pick. Penn State (8.6%), West Virginia (7.4%) and Oklahoma (6.1%) round out the top four.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida OL target gets different look at program to close summer
