Notre Dame Commit Alex Anzalone Visits Florida

October 6, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp reacts against the LSU Tigers during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

It’s no secret that Head Coach Will Muschamp and the Florida Gators are trying to flip Notre Dame Linebacker commitment Alex Anzalone. After committing to Brian Kelly in July at “The Opening”, Anzalone visited Gainesville this past week. News-Press, a local outlet, wrote, “there are strong indications he plans on changing his commitment.” However, there are several indications and explanations that Anzalone is not going to change his mind.

It is true that Anzalone has visited Gainesville several times. However, there could be a valid reason for that. Anzalone’s grandparents live there. It could be plausible that he was merely heading down to visit his grandparents. After all, it was an unofficial visit.

It was also a big game. Despite your loyalties to a certain team, the Florida-LSU game is a game that most fans of football would want to catch. With both of these reasons there is at least circumstantial evidence that Anzalone was more interested in having a good weekend than in the Gators.

In addition, Anzalone has not spoken with reporters about his visit to Florida. Apparently, this is in accordance with the wishes of Notre Dame’s coaches. Zach Abolverdi tweeted, “Just spoke briefly with NotreDame LB commit Alex Anzalone, who told me Irish coaches asked him not to do interviews about his UF visit.”

But, that has not stopped Florida fans and writers from believing that Anzalone will make yet another flip. If fans recall, Anzalone was originally committed to Ohio State. However, after a convicted sex offender posted a picture of himself and Anzalone on the internet, Anzalone decommitted after concerns of safety and security. Then, Anzalone reopened his commitment before deciding between Notre Dame and Florida.

But, now has Anazlone changed his mind? It is of course possible. In the world of college football recruiting, everything is possible. In a recruiting cycle that saw the decommitments of Ronald Darby, Taylor Decker and Deontay Greenberry, Notre Dame fans should already know that it is possible one or two will shake loose. It happens every year regardless of how the team is performing on the field.

February 1, 2012; Oxon Hill, MD, USA; Potomac High School football recruit Ronald Darby poses for a photo after his announcement and intent to sign with the Florida State Seminoles on national signing day at Potomac High School. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE

Notre Dame has been impressive so far in recruiting. Therefore, it does give them a good amount of flexibility for the rest of the year. Because the Fighting Irish already have 21 commitments, the number of players that Notre Dame has to convince to jump on board is few. Do not mistake any of these words. Alex Anzalone is needed. He currently is one of the top commitments that Notre Dame has. But, Brian Kelly and Co. have the ability to hold on to him and focus on other players that will round out this recruiting class. Do not panic. After all, there may be nothing to worry about.