ORLANDO, Fla. – Xavier Filsaime by no means wished this drama.
The four-star security from McKinney, Texas was dedicated to Florida since April and was one of many ringleaders of holding the Gators’ class collectively throughout the struggles this season.
However when place coach Corey Raymond acquired fired in Gainesville, Filsaime began to have critical second ideas and Texas had stayed in his recruitment the entire time.
Shortly earlier than Nationwide Signing Day, Filsaime made the tough and gut-wrenching determination to flip to the Longhorns.
“It undoubtedly wasn’t straightforward,” Filsaime stated at Below Armour Sport All-America media day. “I’d been dedicated to the varsity since April and the choice was made a few week earlier than I signed. I wished to ensure my future was secure.
“I’ve a number of love for Florida, this system and the whole lot. After the entire thing with coach Raymond, I didn’t understand how secure this system can be. It’s been rather a lot these previous few weeks – followers, coaches blowing me up. It’s been a number of stress however now that I signed I’m glad the stress is off me.
“I’ve by no means been no attention-seeking sort of man. I don’t like all that.”
Florida’s 5-7 season didn’t actually play a component in Filsaime’s determination. Neither did a rash of late decommitments. This all centered round Raymond’s exit and what Filsaime seen as a extra secure state of affairs in Austin.
“It was the straw,” Filsaime stated. “Nothing actually occurred earlier than that. I wasn’t tripping that we didn’t win many video games as a result of I’m going in, I really feel like I’m a difference-maker. I really feel issues would have been totally different. I may have modified issues.”
Texas received out however LSU and Oregon additionally made late pitches to flip the McKinney standout. Regardless of his long-term dedication to the Gators, Texas had recruited him frequently for about two years.
“In the end, Texas was going to be the very best concept for me and the best choice for my future,” Filsaime stated.
The Longhorns actually acquired concerned after their rivalry loss to Oklahoma and from there coach Steve Sarkisian and place coach Blake Gideon actually turned it up. A late in-home from new Florida place coach Will Harris impressed Filsaime however by then the Longhorns have been closely trending.
“The scheme,” Filsaime stated of Texas. “Once I went down there the primary time we talked about it and when (Gideon) got here as much as my faculty we talked about it. Once I went down on my OV, it’s similar to what I’m doing now. The one distinction is I’m going in opposition to quicker individuals. I really feel like I’ve the information to play the sport, too.
“Coach Sark pulled as much as the home, coach Gideon. They have been calling me, texting me, they have been displaying a number of love.”
