The Florida Gators have a good distribution of sprint talent throughout their classes, and quite a few very good underclassmen, but with their top guy Brad deBorde beginning his final season of NCAA eligibility, Gregg Troy will be looking for some more depth for this sprint group in his 2014 recruiting class.
“I chose Florida because I found it to be the best fit for me. Growing up in a household of Gator parents, I know I wanted to become one. I also found that coach Troy and the coaching staff and the amount of support allocated to the athletes are amongst the top in the nation. With this, I am positive I will excel at the University of Florida both academically and athletically.”
He began that this week with a verbal commitment from in-stater John Farese from Saint Petersburg Aquatics, Farese confirmed to us.
At the Florida 1A State Championship meet last year, the Shorecrest Prep star took 5th in the 100 yard free in 46.26. Of the four swimmers in front of him, two were already signed by Florida and are freshmen this year (Daniel Spas and Emiro Goossen), one (Jemal Le Grand) is a freshman at Florida State, and one (Luke Georgiadis from Bolles) is a senior as well and has been swimming very well early this season.
Farese’s best times are 46.26 in the 100 yard free and 1:40.33 in the 200 yard free, and he’s also a very good sprint backstroker (another area where Florida is a bit thin, though again not lacking at the top end). He’s been 49.91 in the 100 yard race. That 100, in short course and long course, are his two Junior Nationals cut times.