It has been no secret that the Florida Gators coaching staff was short-handed during the final month of the 2017 recruiting cycle. Some Gators fans took to social media to complain that Florida could have had a bigger finish had head coach Jim McElwain made a quicker hire.
On Friday the University of Florida announced the hiring of West Virginia running backs coach, JaJuan Seider, to the same position.
The 38-year old Seider has been the running backs coach at WVU for the last four years and is an alumn of the school.
Seider is originally from Belle Glades, FL and is known for his ability to recruit the area.
“I’ve always had an affinity for this university and am honored to have the opportunity to have the opportunity to join the Florida Gators family.” -Seider on joining the Florida Gators coaching staff.
West Virginia had the 24th ranked rushing attack in the NCAA in 2016 at 228 yards per game. The Mountaineers had four players that rushed for more than 400 yards. Florida was ranked 113th (128 yards per game) in rushing with Jordan Scarlett leading the team with 889 yards and six touchdowns.
The hiring of Seider means that former RB coach Tim Skipper will likely return to the defensive side of the ball, possibly as linebackers coach. Skipper played linebacker in college.
Florida still has one more opening on the coaching staff. Stay with The Gator Chomp Blog for all of the latest information about the Florida Gators.