Florida has long hoped to sign two running backs in the Class of 2014, but currently only Dalvin Cook (5-11, 192, Miami, FL Central) in the mix. On Monday, however, a new name appeared on the radar for the Gators, Under Armour All-American running back Jeff Jones (6-0, 196, Minneapolis, MN Washburn), who spoke to Florida on Sunday.
“I talked to Coach (Brian) White on Sunday,” Jones said. “He said he was watching my film and he liked what he’s seen from it. He said that they are trying to sign two running backs out of my class and they are interested in me but they haven’t offered me yet.”
Although he doesn’t currently hold an offer from Florida the Minnesota commitment plans to visit Gainesville soon.
“I’m going to take an official visit to Florida on January 24th,” Jones said. “I’m also going to take one to Michigan State in January. I’ve already taken to Minnesota this past fall. I’ll make a final decision on National Signing Day.”
Jones has been a Gopher commitment for just under a month now but other schools are still recruiting him hard and he’s listening.
“I’m committed but I’m listening to others,” Jones said. “I just want to make sure I’m not missing any other opportunities that could help my future and help me be better.”
The Gators are of course the newest team to get in the mix for him and he sees opportunity for himself in Gainesville.
“Florida is a great opportunity for me being in the SEC,” Jones said. “I just want to see what they have to offer me and see if it fits me.”
This past season didn’t go as well as planned for Will Muschamp and company but to Jones he sees Florida is a good school that will be better.
“This past season for Florida doesn’t have an impact on me at all,” Jones said. “I talked to Coach White, the position coach, so that’s the coach that I’ll be with every day so as long as I like him that’s okay. Florida is a national team so they will rebound from the bad season.”
Being from Minnesota most people don’t know who Jones is or has never seen him play so coming down to Orlando is his chance to shine.
“I feel like I’ve been doing alright,” Jones said. “The main thing is I come from Minnesota and I have to a lot to prove to people since I don’t get the publicly that other kids do.”