Florida Gators get their quarterback for 2017

Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier landed their first quarterback together on Wednesday night when 2017 quarterback Jake Allen (6-2, 195, Fort Lauderdale, FL St. Thomas Aquinas) committed to the Gators.

Allen had an incredible June that saw him win the Rivals five-star quarterback challenge and also receive an offer from Florida after camping for Nussmeier and co.

Shortly after Allen received his offer from Florida he called the Gators his leader because of two different factors that are both equally important to him.

“It was a dream offer 100 percent. I’ve always dreamed of going to Florida,” Allen said. “My quarterback coach Eric Kresser (who played for Florida) was so happy when I told him. He said that he was proud of me and that all of the hard work that we’ve put in has finally paid off. He has always told me ‘Jake you’re going to be an SEC quarterback,’ but I never really believed him.”

Allen made a decision a little earlier than most 2017 quarterbacks but he says he did that in order to get some star players around him in Gainesville.

“I would like to be the leader of the class and help recruit but also if I know I already like the school then I might as well go ahead and commit to the school,” Allen said last month. “ The biggest thing though is that I need to recruit because I need guys around me to help elevate my game, plus I want to be able to help elevate their game.”

Allen is considered one of the best quarterbacks for his class and he’s the second commit for the Florida Gators in the class of 2017, joining receiver Lavarus Tigner (6-2, 185, Deerfield Beach, FL High) who committed to Florida in June.

 

INSIDERS TAKE: Allen is one of those kids that will be the leader of the class for Florida and he will be a very active recruiter for the Gators in not only 2017 but also in 2016. Allen is now teammates with receiver Sam Bruce who is currently committed to Miami.

 

Gator Country will have much more on Allen’s commitment to Florida.

 

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.

5 COMMENTS

  1. This is amazing news!! Jake Allen is already a very good QB and he still has 2 years of high school ball left. This is also a kid who could easily get guys like Sam Bruce to come and play with him, and be the cornerstone for our 2017 class. Great job by Coach Mac and Nuss for landing this kid so early.. now just hang on to him!

    • He only plans to visit Florida so I think the Gators have a great shot of keeping him plus he will be a leader for this class.

  2. Read this from TOS, it doesn’t appear that he received an offer from any of the other schools besides us, it’s not like them to not seek top talent.
    “After several recent spring and summer visits including trips to Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame and Michigan, Allen decided it was time to make a college decision.”

    • Its so early for him as he is a 2017 recruit, few schools rarely give out 2017 offers this early and they are limited, he has two years left to play high school. It speaks volumes about Nuss and Mac to be on this kid so fast and hard. Also speaks volumes as to where his heart is. He is rocketing up the recruiting charts after wining the Rivals QB Challenge. He may have camped elsewhere prior to the Rivals competition. Nuss and Mac got immediately on him. fortunately he is all Gator! He will be a valuable member of our 2017 class, and you watch how much he contributes in getting players in the 2016 class!! This is amazing great news! Pumped about this guy! Hope he helps us get Sam Bruce…come on Sam…Jordan and Jake are both going to be here!

    • Notre Dame knew he was going to Florida plus they have their qb in Hunter Johnson close to committing. Allen was the top quarterback at ND’s summer camp two weekend ago’s so it isn’t like he didn’t impress them.