Florida's Message to Former Commit Michai Boireau: 'We're Not Going Anywhere'

2024 defensive line prospect and former Gators commit Michai Boireau recapped his recent visit to Florida and provided an update on his recruitment.

Photo: Michai Boireau; Credit: Alex Shepherd

GAINESVILLE, Fla.-- For the first time since he decommitted from the program on Sept. 11, class of 2024 defensive lineman Michai Boireau returned to Florida for an unofficial visit during the Gators' 38-14 win over Vanderbilt in Week 6. 

Despite any reservations that came with visiting a school he previously backed away from, the Fairburn (Ga.) Creekside prospect said he felt right at home in Gainesville and even rated the visit a 10 out of 10.

"I thought it was going to be awkward, but it wasn't awkward at all," Boireau told All Gators about his experience after the game. "It was actually like I never left. Everybody was excited to see me. I was excited to see them. I was excited to be here. It felt like I never left." 

In fact, the trip marked Boireau's first gameday visit to Florida. His reasoning for returning to UF was to experience the energy and atmosphere in The Swamp during a contest. 

With an announced attendance of 89,432 on Saturday, both of Boireau's boxes were checked. 

"When they first came out for kickoff, that feeling was amazing," Boireau said. "It kind of felt like butterflies. Like, the feeling just came back in my body." 

Between the visit and the recruiting push from the coaching staff, Florida is still very much in the picture that is his recruitment, according to Boireau. 

Boireau plans to observe the Gators' Oct. 28 matchup against Georgia in Jacksonville from the stands. He also wants to visit UF when it plays host to No. 4 Florida State on Nov. 25. 

"Their message has been, 'We still love you. We're not going anywhere in this recruiting process, and you will always have a home here," Boireau explained of Florida's continual recruiting pitch after his decommitment from the program.

As far as how his overall recruitment is going, Boireau explained that he's still in the "beginning stages" of the process. 

He currently has a top-four of Georgia, Michigan, Florida and Auburn and added that he will "probably" visit Michigan for its Nov. 4 matchup against Purdue. 

"I'm still seeing things I haven't seen," Boireau said. "Still have a lot to see, too." 

Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook. 

Get your Gators football, basketball, baseball and other sporting events tickets from SI Tickets here.