Daniel Imatorbhebhe Dishes on Becoming First Florida Commit of Jim McElwain Era

The new Florida coaching regime netted its first commitment last week when Georgia tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe pledged to the Gators. He ended a lengthy recruiting drought in Gainesville and provided a positive step for Jim McElwain as the new head coach attempts to assemble a quality 2015 class with national signing day just six weeks away.

Imatorbhebhe, a senior at North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Georgia, formerly committed to fellow SEC member Missouri before decommitting in late September. His decision this time ultimately came down to Cal and Florida. 

The 6'4", 227-pound prospect caught a career-high 32 passes in 2014, tallying 487 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games, per MaxPreps. He is rated 20th nationally among tight ends in 247Sports' composite rankings. 

Imatorbhebhe discussed his decision with Bleacher Report and said that he foresees a strong finish for Florida's 2015 recruiting efforts.

Bleacher Report: How did McElwain establish a relationship with you?

Daniel Imatorbhebhe: I didn't know much about him or even what he looked like when he was first hired by Florida. He messaged me when he was in Atlanta and asked if I would be available for an in-home visit. It took me by surprise, but I was happy to meet him.

BR: How did the visit turn out?

DI: It was actually my birthday, and he came to house in time to watch us cut the cake. Then we sat down and just spent some time getting to know each other. He won over my family that night.

BR: How did he manage to make such a strong impression?

DI: He's very genuine. The way he answered our questions, he didn't dance around anything. Coach Mac was very straightforward about what he wants to accomplish at Florida and how he plans to do it. He didn't need to talk down any other program or scheme or coaching staff.

BR: How does he plan to make an impact at Florida?

DI: He's ready and motivated to return the program back to where it was—getting Florida back to dominating the SEC East and contending for titles. That vision is predicated on doing things the right way every day. Whether it's on the field or off the field, attention to detail and effort are going to be very important.

BR: Do you expect other top Gators targets to feel the same way you do about Florida's new vision?

DI: I think people are going to be surprised about the kind of class that we're going to put together by signing day. Now that I understand the kind of man Coach Mac is and what his plan is for the program, I know it's only a matter of time before he gets things rolling with recruiting. Big stuff is in the works for these next few weeks.

BR: How confident are you that the program is on the rebound?

DI: Momentum is about to take a huge swing in the positive direction for Florida. It's something I'm excited about, and so should Gators fans.

BR: How does the new staff view your role within the offensive attack?

DI: They definitely see me as a pass-catching tight end who can stretch the field. Once I arrive on campus [Imatorbhebhe will enroll in January], the coaches will have a chance to really see what I can do. The focus will be to work on all aspects of my game.

BR: Your younger brother (2016 wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe) already has an offer from Florida. How did he react to your decision?

DI: Josh was happy for me. He's kind of sad that I'm leaving here in a couple weeks. But it's good that I'll be pretty close, because he'll be able to visit me often.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report national recruiting columnist Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.