MADISON, Fla. – The transformation of four-star offensive guard Ira Denson of Madison (Fla.) Madison County was well documented over the summer. Four games into his senior season, Denson says the change is evident in his play.
“I am bending my knees better and I am pulling great,” Denson said. “I feel stronger up top. I am keeping my feet moving on contact. I have improved my hand placement. I am finishing blocks. I just feel like I am getting better every day.”
In addition to being in better shape and more athletic, Denson also is playing with a new level of confidence with regards to his game.
“I am definitely more confident,” Denson said. “I feel like anybody that gets in front of me, they can’t stop me from moving them. I try to dominate every man that gets in front of me at the line of scrimmage whether they are a lineman, linebacker, safety, or corner.”
So far this season, the Florida State commitment has taken just one visit to see the Seminoles. That will change today with his second trip to his future home.
“I went for the Murray State game,” Denson said. “I am going (today) for the Florida State-Clemson game.”
Denson enjoyed his time at the Murray State game.
“It was a great experience,” Denson said. “I saw them boys blow them out and have fun. They are doing a great job.”
While the Clemson game is expected to be attended by droves of recruits, Denson said he isn’t going to act as the recruiter.
“I am just going to have fun and take some of my teammates with me,” Denson said. “I am looking forward to seeing some of my friends that are coming like Ryan Green and Tony Stevens. I got to know those guys at The Opening. We got close out there. I am just going to have a good time with them.
“I haven’t talked to any (uncommitted) recruits in a minute,” Denson added. “I have just been focusing on the season.”
As for the game itself, Denson expects a great battle between the top ten teams.
“I think it will be a great game,” Denson said. “I think we are going to win.”
The 6-foot-4, 322-pound offensive lineman plans to make Tallahassee his permanent residence, at least for a few years, in December. He made the decision to be an early enrollee after talking it over with his mother and Madison County head coach Mike Coe.
“I am leaving in December,” Denson said. “I am looking forward to having the spring to get a feel for the team and lift weights. I want to get in better shape than I am.”
Before Denson enrolls at Florida State, he will take a few official visits. One school that rumors involving Denson seem to persist is the Gators. He talked about those rumors and where things stand.
“UF wants me and they are coming after me hard,” Denson said. “But I am committed to Florida State. I am going to Florida State. I am not going to Florida. I will take an official visit there (Florida), because I am taking my officials. But I am not going there, I am Florida State all day.”
Denson mentioned that he hopes to take official visits to South Carolina, Alabama, LSU, and possibly USC as well.
