Myles Graham (2) Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ex-Florida RB takes aim at Gators over handling of his son

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 12/22/23

A Florida Gators legend appears to be unhappy with the program over the way the recruitment of his son has been handled.

Former Florida running back Earnest Graham took to social media on Thursday with a not-so-cryptic message that was clearly aimed at the Gators

My son was raised to understand the business as it exists but there has been new levels of disconnect with this program that I have NEVER ever experienced. No calls, no communication and the dryest experience imaginable. I’m just going to START there.

— Earnest Graham (@earnestgraham) December 21, 2023

Graham’s son is Myles Graham, a four-star linebacker prospect who is part of Florida’s 2024 recruiting class. Florida lost commitments from several players during the early signing period this week, but Myles officially signed with the Gators on Wednesday. It is possible that Earnest feels information was withheld from him and his son prior to that.

As Zach Goodall of All Gators notes, former Florida linebackers coach Jay Bateman was hired as Texas A&M’s new defensive coordinator on Thursday. The move came as a surprise to many people. It also came just hours before Earnest aired his frustration.

Obviously it's likely Bateman played a big role in recruiting Myles. The safe assumption is that Earnest is not happy that Florida did not communicate that Bateman was potentially leaving the program.

Florida head coach Billy Napier has faced some criticism for his shortcomings on the recruiting trail. It will not help his case that one of his top signees seems unhappy.

Earnest was a star at Florida, where he played from 1998-2002. He ranks fifth in Gators history with 3,065 yards and third with 33 rushing touchdowns.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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