The Florida Gators picked up commitment number 20 on Wednesday morning when safety Jeawon Taylor (6-2, 192, Montgomery, AL Park Crossing) committed to Florida over the Auburn Tigers and others.
“Blessed to say I am officially committed the University of Florida,” Taylor tweeted. “#DBU #BDN.”
Taylor, who had several offers from big time programs, says that the Gators rich history at the position is what made him commit to Florida.
“Florida has the best DB’s in the country,” Taylor said after announcing his decision. “I’m going to Florida because I believe that I’m one of the best DB’s.”
Taylor visited the Gators last Friday and Saturday and walked away impressed with Florida Gators defensive backs coach Kirk Callahan.
“He seems like a great coach to play under,” he said of Callahan. “He’s a young guy and he has a good personality. He’s able to relate to us young guys.”
With Taylor’s commitment to Florida, the Gators now have three commits from the state of Alabama; a state that head coach Jim McElwain is still very highly thought of in.
A lot of that credit has to go to defensive coordinator Geoff Collins and player personnel director Drew Hughes who hails from the city of Montgomery himself.
Taylor is the fifth defensive back commit in the class of 2016 joining cornerbacks Chauncey Gardner, C.J. McWilliams, Jayvaughn Myers and safety Quincy Lenton in the class.
As a junior Taylor had 91 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and four interceptions. Taylor also blocked a field goal during the season at Park Crossing High School.
INSIDERS TAKE: Taylor has only played one year at safety and when he gains weight he will be an even better play at the position. Taylor has long arms and is an athletic safety that should fit in the Florida Gators defense well. This should also help the Gators with 2018 offensive lineman Tank Jenkins.