Fansided

Florida Football Recruiting 2017: 5 must-have recruits for Gators

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain looks on against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain looks on against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Sep 19, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) and linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) celebrate during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Florida defeated Kentucky 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Keanu Neal (42) and linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) celebrate during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Florida defeated Kentucky 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Levi Jones, 4-star OLB (Austin, Texas)

Defense has been the name of the game for Florida in recent years and McElwain is ensuring that remains a priority in the coming classes. Levi Jones has to be one of the top defensive players left on the board and the four-star linebacker from Austin, Texas, could be the next big name to play the linebacker position for Florida.

Jarrad Davis was this year’s stud linebacker and he is projected as a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft which could act as a major selling point for McElwain and the staff.

Despite Florida State being the leader for some time, a recent official visit to Gainesville, Fla., with family changed things up for Jones. In fact, Jones recently named the Gators his favorite after the Jan. 13 visit, according to Zach Abolverdi of SEC Country.

"“I’d say UF, for sure,” Jones told SEC Country when asked for his leader. “It was all up in the air, but just going there and seeing Florida really pushed them out front for me.”"

This final push by the Gators before signing day could seal the deal, but he has a trip planned to Texas A&M on Jan. 25 and one to Florida State on Jan. 27 which could change things.

Jones is ranked the No. 92 overall prospect and sixth-best outside linebacker in the 2017 class, according to the 247Sports composite.

Home/College Football