On Monday the Florida Gators received big news as defensive end Jabari Zuniga (6-3, 265, Marietta, GA Sprayberry) flipped his commitment from North Carolina State to Florida.
While Zuniga doesn’t get the star recognition he deserves, a quick look at his highlight tape shows why defensive coordinator Geoff Collins and the Gators quickly feel in love with the explosive playmaking ability of Zuniga as a defensive end.
Shortly after Zuniga committed to Florida, Gator Country.com spoke to Zuniga’s recruiting coordinator Antwan Toomer at Sprayberry High School to get his thoughts on Zuniga.
Here’s our Q&A with Zuniga’s coach.
Q.) Describe the progression and the type of player Zuniga is now?
A.) “I saw a great leap in his ability the last two years. His junior year you saw a small specks of greatness from Jabari. You would see a great play here and then a not so great play here. His junior year was his first year playing varsity because he has only been playing football for three years now. I think what happened after his junior was he saw the attention Bailey Sharp (Auburn commit) was getting and he was like ok it’s time for me to turn it on now. His senior though he really turned it on in practice and in games. His motor was always turning.”
Q.) How is he in the running game? Can he be a three down lineman?
A.) I see him as all-around defensive player. I see him playing all four downs honestly. I could see Jabari growing into a three technique if he puts on a little weight because he’s so big and athlete. A lot of people forget that he just turned 17 a few months ago.
Q.)How does he respond to coaching?
A.) Oh my gosh, yes, he responds well to coaching. I have no doubt that he responds well to coaching and coaching tips from coaches. He likes to receive criticism to improve his game. His defensive line that we have now is as a tough as they come. He’s tougher than some college coaches that I’ve been around.”
Q.) What is Jabari Zuniga like off the field?
A.) Jabari is actually a great character guy off the field. He’s very soft spoken and he doesn’t talk much but there is a close group of friends that he talks to on the football team. He has a small knit group of friends that he’s close to but besides that he’s just walking around by himself and being quiet.
Q.) Is Zuniga a good student and good character guy?
A.) Yes, he’s a great student. No trouble at all because his mom is a deputy sheriff in Fulton County so she would have his butt if he was getting into any trouble. He has no character issues at all.
Q.) How is Zuniga as far as being a leader?
A.) “Zuniga is a silent leader, he’s a lead by example and work then lead by words kind of guy. That’s the type of kid he is.”