Blakely wants to visit the Florida Gators

Another day, another linebacker offer handed out by the Florida Gators coaching staff. It has almost become a daily ritual for this staff to offer a linebacker a scholarship.

The latest offer went out to linebacker Ja’Quain Blakely (6-2, 207, Moultrie, GA Colquitt County) who talked to the Gators defensive coordinator about Florida.

“I talked to coach [Geoff] Collins on Monday and he offered me a scholarship,” Blakely said. “He was just mostly telling me how that I would be a good fit at Florida and how good of a linebacker I am and stuff like that.”

Blakely had never spoken to Florida before Tuesday but the conversation went well and Collins laid out his plan for Blakely over the phone.

“That was the first time to talk to him over the phone but we are building a relationship now and he’s telling me about his defense,” Blakely said. “He tells me that I can fit in at outside linebacker. He said that I’m a good edge rusher and that I can play in space well.”

One thing that Collins made sure that Blakely knew about was that the Gators are in desperate of need of linebackers and early playing time is available.

“Coach Collins told me that they have a big need for linebackers in this class,” Blakely said. “He said they are trying to sign four linebackers this year and that I will have a good chance to play as a true freshman if I choose Florida and work hard enough. That grabbed my attention and sounded good to me.”

The Georgia native admits that he has watched the Florida Gators struggle as of late but he wants to see what all Florida has to offer.

“I know Florida has an amazing academic program but they have been a little shaky on the field lately,” Blakely said. “I actually want to get down to Florida soon so that I can see everything there. I put them on my schedule to get down there for a visit and maybe it will happen for a spring practice.”

A decision is something that Blakely knows is important and that is why he’s trying to do all of his homework before rushing anything.

“I’m just sitting back and relaxing and get ready for my senior year but I have a lot of offers that I’m interested in,” Blakely said. “I’m just going to take some visits and when I feel it’s right then I’ll commit.”

 

INSIDERS TAKE: Blakely talked very highly of the Florida offer and he later told me that he’s trying to get down for a spring practice so that he can see Collins coach in-person. I think Florida has a decent shot here early on.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.