Last week the Florida Gators sent out several offers with most of them going to 2020 prospects but one 2019 offer was handed out.

Defensive end Brayden Monday (6-4, 240, Waynesville, NC. Tuscola) was given an offer after he spoke with the Gators on Thursday.

“Coach O [Otis Yelverton] contacted me on Thursday and told me he had great news,” Monday said of who gave him his Florida offer. “He said that he and Coach [Dan] Mullen had been watching my film and they really liked what they saw and offered me a position as a defensive end.”

Monday who has seen his recruitment pick up as of late is grateful to get an offer from Florida during his senior year.

“I went through so many emotions that day,” he said of his reaction to his Florida offer. “Of course I was very honored that they have contacted me. I have worked so hard for years not just in football leadership but I have worked on being a leader off the field.

It’s a scary because during this whole process I have leaned on God for guidance and when he closed certain doors he opened bigger and better doors. I always dreamed it would become a reality to be part of such a prestigious program but now it’s reality and I am honored. “

The defensive end understands that the big offers might be slow to come due to his area that Monday plays in.

“In the area we live in, I always heard that it’s almost impossible to get noticed because we were just little fish,” Monday said on Florida being his first big offer. “This proves that if you strive to do the right things and work hard at everything then doors will open.”

When Monday talked with Florida on Thursday, the Gators explained what they liked about the defensive end.

“They just said that I was aggressive,” Monday said on what Florida liked about his film. “They said I had a good motor and a nose for the ball. They just said they like my size and athleticism.”

Monday doesn’t know much about the Gators program under Mullen but he’s eager to learn more about Florida.

“Not a whole lot,” he said on what he knows about Florida. “I plan on going to a game in two weeks and then for an official visit. I have heard great things about the coaching staff and the fans. I’m excited to learn more about the full program.”

The Gators are trying to get Monday on campus for one of the remaining three home games so the defensive end can see everything for himself.

“Right now we don’t have a date set but Coach O and I will set that up later on,” Monday said of when his visit will take place. “I’m looking for a good atmosphere when I get down there and to just see how the relationships between the players and coaches is. And to see if I could see myself there.”

INSIDERS TAKE: Monday is a guy who a lot of teams are starting to looking at because his ability to play either tight end or defensive end. Florida was the first to offer but more schools are likely to offer soon.