Florida four-star CB Cai Bates covers commitment contenders
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Cai Bates is one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2024 class holding 46 offers. The big cornerback (6-2, 185) has been clamping down on opposing Florida receivers for years while taking his show on the road at camps and showcase events working to be one of the best in the country. Four official visits along with a beefed-up unofficial trip was taken this summer to help focus the next level options. On July 26, one lucky program will land a shutdown defender.
Before taking any visit, paid for or on his own dime, Bates shared what he seeks to learn to help inform his final decision.
“The development, the opportunity to play early, that was a big factor for me, and a family environment is something big for me,” Bates said. “College football is a business, but knowing you have a genuine connection with the coaches will make it easier.
“I paid a lot of attention during my visits. I separated myself from the glitz and glam of the official visits and watched the players. I watched how they go about their daily life. My personal time with the players, I took advantage of that to see how they operate away from the show of the official.”
Alabama (June 2-4), Florida State (June 11-13), Tennessee (June 16-18), and LSU (June 23-25) brought Bates on campus for official stops. Ohio State welcomed Bates on an unofficial trip treated somewhat like an official.
Bates gave insight to the five trips.
THE BREAKDOWN
Cai Bates with Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
Alabama: “It was great. Having a chance to sit down one-on-one with Nick Saban, talking to him and picking his brain; he cares about you. Coach Saban is a genuine guy. He’s a businessman, but he is a down to Earth guy. At Alabama with coach Saban, there is stability knowing he is the head coach and a DB coach. At Alabama, even if a coach leaves, you know your position coach is Nick Saban, and he is not leaving anytime soon.”
Florida State: “It went well. Coach Mike Norvell, he reminds me a lot of my high school head coach (Cameron Duke). They are connected to my high school. Our coach speaks at FSU every year; those two coaches are connected. It is great to connect with my hometown school. Coach Norvell let me know I am priority and that I am not second to none with them.”
Tennessee: “Coach (Josh) Heupel is one of the brightest coaches I have been around. I liked him coming from UCF. He took the time while I was there spending one-on-one time with me. When we went out on the Tennessee River, he got out on the water with us. He was one of the few coaches to do that; that was awesome. The environment and the tradition of the program at Tennessee is rich. I feel they are back on the rise in the SEC.”
LSU: “It went well. I have a good relationship with the coaching staff, and they have a good relationship with my parents. I was able to connect with 2023 (DB) Javien Toviano; he’s a good dude. The tradition is good at LSU, and there is a lot of culture there; I’ve never seen anything like it. It is really good there. Coach (Brian) Kelly is down to Earth and easy to talk to. LSU has a good program and has a good plan for me.”
In early June, the Buckeyes hosted the four-star corner.
“It went well,” Bates shared. “I got a lot of time to speak with coach Walt (Tim Walton – CB) and I got to talk to a lot of the players. At Ohio State, they have the best receivers going out there every day; going against them, you will get better every day. Their receivers will make you better as a DB. The networking at Ohio State is second to none with the support they have with the fanbase.”
On Tuesday, July 18, Bates announced the teams he is considering listing Alabama, Colorado, Florida State, LSU, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. Bates provided his thoughts on the two teams he did not visit this summer.
Colorado: “All honesty, the opportunity to be coached by Deion Sanders, not many have that opportunity. You can’t let that slip. Coach Sanders was one of the best if not the best to ever play corner. He is from Florida; he looks after Florida kids. He let it be known that he will look out for us. Coach Sanders is a down to Earth guy. He told me straight up, I don’t care where you commit, I will recruit you until Signing Day.”
Texas A&M: “A&M coach BGA (Bryant Gross-Armiento – DB), he is from Florida as well. He looks out for me. He has a great relationship with my mom. He came out to our practices, so did other schools., but he has showed a lot of support. I look forward to building more of a connection with A&M. The SEC and A&M are household names.”
Visits are on hold for now, but there could be more.
“Not right now, I don’t have any visits scheduled,” Bates shared. “I may take an official visit during the season, possibly. As of right now, there are no more official visits.”
Asked which program he may official visit this fall, Bates replied, “It would possibly be Colorado for one of their games and possibly A&M.”
Working down to one, Bates spoke about how he will make his decision.
“The relationship and the opportunity as a player, networking definitely,” Bates said. “The relationship with the coaches and the people around me knowing I am comfortable with them, and falling in love with wherever I am at. It is about picking the school and area where I will flourish, not just the school or the staff.”
Bates’ July 26 commitment date, announcement coming at 6:30 p.m. ET, is special for more than one reason, it is also the birthday for his mother and grandmother.