One thing I noticed over this weekend was that Kodak Black dropped a new music video for his song "Transportin." Issa banger. But I had noticed something towards the beginning of the video.
This man is a Gators fan. A pretty big one. It may not be shocking for some, but to me, the light bulb switch came as soon as a saw the Gators jacket.
The Gators could benefit from this a lot. A LOT. Let me further explain.
Using celebrities as a form of endorsing can go a long ways to promoting your athletic program. It can bring positive aspects in attendance, revenue, and even recruiting. The status that Kodak has in Florida is massive, something that cannot be stressed out enough. If you go to Florida, this man is the talk of every town. Enter the Gators football program. Here is an opportunity to take someone who shows clear affection for your program, and use it to your convenience. Take a page out of Miami and USC, two star programs that have been known for prominent figures visiting their respective schools. Once these schools got more nationally prominent, household names were able to bring their programs to that status.
For Miami, it was Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew in the 80's. Before the college football world knew about the pay for play system he had set up, he put Miami on the map, rapping about the team in songs and wearing Hurricane gear in videos and concerts. His impact isn't as huge as it was back then, but he still is a Canes fan (or claims so) that speaks on the team occasionally. One interesting fact was admitting on the Colin Cowherd show that he had personally brought Amari Cooper and Devonta Freeman to Miami for Al Golden to look at, only for Golden to reject both. From what we heard from Campbell, Cooper and Freeman both really wanted to go to Miami. Amari Cooper. Devonta Freeman. NFL STARS. Seriously Al Golden?
As for USC, it was former coach Pete Carroll that was able to bring in stars from Hollywood into the Coliseum. Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell, Denzel Washington, and others came in and supported USC during their Golden Days. It really elevated the brand of Trojan football, and ascended them into powerhouse status themselves. They really took advantage, and because of it recruits took notice and saw it as an opportunity. If they could be part of the Men of Troy, then they could be at that level that all the celebrities were at if said recruits could lead South California to a national title.
Now it's Florida's turn to turn this in a positive light. They need to promote Kodak in any way, shape, or form. Have him on the sidelines at the games, or have him tweet more about the Gators. Play more Kodak on Gameday. There is so much they can do, and it will help tremendously. The Gators have him right there, its not like Kodak is from LA or NY. Kodak Black is from Pompano Beach in Broward County, Florida. So being from Florida could really help the Gators in recruiting, since South Florida is absolutely rich in talent. Big names in the recruiting world such as Nesta Silvera, Xavier Williams, Akeem Hayes, and many MANY others are huge fans of Kodak. Kodak has such an impact in South Florida without even realizing it. Mike Harley (Miami signee) hit the Kodak in the middle of a game on national TV. If Kodak speaks highly of the Gators, recruits will take notice.
University of Florida, here is your chance. Don't blow it.
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