ANDRADES - THE ROAD TO GAINESVILLE



L to R Cousin Durell Queen, RAPH, mother Aundrea Andrades, grandmother Janie Powell & Dad Raphael Andrades on National Signing Day

 Tallahassee Lincoln WR Raphael Andrades started his love affair with the Gators during his Freshman year in High School. He grew up a Miami Hurricanes fan largely in part because his Dad's love for the Canes. Dad (Raphael, Sr.) grew up in Miami. Attended Miami Northwestern. The same school that produced the number one class in 2008 for the Canes that included Jacory Harris, Sean Spence, Marcus Forston, Tommy Streeter, etc... Dad went to school with a few of the fathers of these players: Rodney Harris, Sam Spence, and Tommy Streeter, Sr. Dad also went to high school with a few recognizable University of Miami  names like Melvin Bratton (Denver Broncos), and Brett Perriman (Detroit Lions). So the love for the Canes for Dad, and Raph's uncles was huge.

One day Raph and his dad were riding in the car together and Raph tried to conceal the screen picture on his phone, but Dad caught a glimpse of it. It was something related to the Florida Gators. It was a kind of sad moment for dad, but he knew that he had to teach Junior a life lesson about choices. Dad said, "Raph, I love the Canes. Just because I love the Canes, doesn't mean that you have to love the Canes or even like them. You are allowed to like which ever team you want, but just stay away from me when they are playing my Canes." Raph now relieved replied, "Dad, I want you to know that I like the Gators and I want to play there after high school." Dad's response was, "Well, if you want to become a Gator, you have a lot of work to do. Which school you choose to attend after high school is your choice, I will only help as an advisor, but it's 100% your choice, but you have to work hard."

Fast forward to the recruiting. Raph received offers from Illinois, Stanford, Arkansas, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Middle Tennessee, FIU, and a few other schools. As the process went along Raph wasn't "feeling" some of the schools. Stanford was attractive but just too far. Arkansas had an exciting offense, but he didn't know enough about them. Vanderbilt was a great institution, they have solid everything (but it wasn't like Florida). Kentucky was a perfect blend of "family & opportunity", and he really wanted to go there, he felt very comfortable there, but somehow that didn't happen. Notre Dame comes on the scene late and offers an official visit then takes it back. Arkansas sets up a visit, then takes it back. All of the schools are putting their eggs in one basket. They all want Dorial Green-Beckham, or Nelson Agholor, or Stephon Diggs, or this guy or that guy. They all are good programs, they all have great things to offer, but these players can only attend one school, yet they have 3, 4 maybe 5 teams to choose from.... what are the odds. Now it is time to make a choice. With a few offers taken away, and a few coaches calling saying please wait I may have something. Raph has a HUGE decision to make. Will he wait and be disappointed, or will he take an offer from a smaller school and just get an education and play.

Enter the Florida Gators. When Aubrey Hill asked Raph to call him, all of Raph's attention turned to the Gators. Raph was telling his Dad, "I'm going to Gainesville and just walk-on." Dad said, "No you are not! You will accept the scholarship offer that you have on the table." Next thing you know things are going 100 miles per hour. Now Raph had been to Junior Day at Florida, attended summer football camp there as well. Went to "Friday Night Lights" at the Swamp. Attended several games as a recruit. Called the coaching staff and spoke to them regularly. He made it no secret that his desire was to play at Florida. Now comes "the call". "Raph, this is coach Will Muschamp of the Florida Gators. I want you to know that we are working very hard to make you a Gator, but I can't let you know until maybe 9 am tomorrow if I have that scholarship available, although I may hear something tonight". Just the thought of that brought a huge smile (Raph has that Million Dollar Smile) and tears of joy to not only Raph, but his Dad who was with him at the moment. He was so close to his dream.

It was the day before National Signing Day. Several coaches are putting in their last minutes calls. Some trying to jump back on the scene after "dissing" Raph. Others calling claiming that they finally found a way of getting a hold of Raph. Yet another trying to make sure that all would go well for him on signing day. But at around 11:15 pm, the only call that mattered to him came in. This was it. It was the Florida Gators. Raph was in the shower when his phone rang, so Coach Muschamp called Dad. "Great news", he said. "We were able to work everything out and we are offering your son a scholarship, but we called Raph and couldn't get a hold of him... is he available?" Dad said, "He's in the shower, but he is definitely available, please hold". Dad went to the bathroom opened the door, asked Raph to turn the water off and put the phone on speaker. "Raph, this is Will Muschamp... ARE YOU READY TO BE A GATOR?" Raph replied, "YES SIR, I ACCEPT, I COMMIT, ALL OF THAT... YES SIR!" And the tears of joy began to flow.

On National Signing Day, while everyone was beaming about their recruits, there was one recruit(er) who's smile was shinning brighter. Now that recruit(er), who has always had the respect of his teammates has added one teammate to the fold 2013 LB James Hearns. 2013 WRs Reggie Davis & Taj Williams may soon add their names to the Gator committed list as well. Taj prior to his final regular season basketball game on Saturday wore a Gators T-shirt and Hat. Signing Raph gave the Gators a very solid receiver, but it also gave them a ring side seat to the Tallahassee Lincoln Football class of 2013 recruiting battle.