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Assistant head coach and secondary coach Corey Raymond spoke with the media after practice Tuesday to discuss his job promotion and the Gators’ secondary for the 2023 season.
A New Role
The recent promotion to assistant head coach and secondary coach is a significant achievement in his coaching career. Raymond, who joined the Gators’ coaching staff in 2021 as the cornerbacks coach, has quickly made an impression on the team and staff. Prior to Florida, he played six years in the NFL and spent the 10 previous seasons at LSU where he coached defensive backs and cornerbacks, as well as serving as the recruiting coordinator.
When asked about the changes the promotion might bring to he team, Raymond insisted there really wasn’t much, and they are all just working hard together as a coaching staff.
Power of Recruiting
As well as coaching, Raymond also has experience on the recruiting side of football. His presence and connection with players has allowed for the Gators to gain some potential new weapons for next year.
One of the main recruits Raymond helped secure was cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson. Raymond said Jackson is no doubt an athletic player, as he played receiver, cornerback and ran track in high school. Raymond also said he’s starting to become more of a critical thinker in the position, and if he keeps up, he will see the field as a true freshman this upcoming season.
“He’s coming along real good,” Raymond said. “He has the chance to be special.”
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Future for the Secondary
Despite the loss of Trey Dean and Rashad Torrence II, Billy Napier and his staff were focused on high school recruiting. Raymond says he believes in the guys he recruits and looks forward to continuing to develop them.
When asked which player has made dramatic improvement in the offseason, it was without hesitation that Raymond answered Jason Marshall. Raymond describes his attitude and work at practice extremely professional and is excited to see it on the field.
Raymond also expressed his confidence in the safeties.
As far as the secondary as a whole, Raymond says they have the potential to be great as long as they continue to put in the work.
