Last week the Florida Gators handed out a few offers despite most of the coaching staff being on vacation during the dead period in recruiting.
One offer that was handed out went to athlete Giles Jackson (5-8, 175, Oakley, CA. Freedom) who talked to one of the Gators recruiting assistants.
“Coach [Cordell] Landers offered me,” Jackson said of which Florida coach offered him. “He said that he liked how I played and he asked what I wanted to major in and I told him sports management. Then we talked about academics and then he said he would like to give me a scholarship.”
This is the 12th offer for Jackson who impressed people at the Opening earlier this month and the athlete finds the Florida offer to be a big one.
“I think it’s a huge offer,” he said of what the offer means to him. “Just to have a big school like that is a blessing.”
When Landers and Jackson spoke last week, Landers explained just how the Gators could use the athlete in Gainesville.
“He said he wants to have me as a slot type of guy,” Jackson said of where Landers wants him at. “He just said he liked my athletic ability and that I was versatile. Not much.”
In June, Jackson announced a top four but he says his offer from Florida changes things for him.
“They definitely add onto to that list of my top four,” he said of where Florida ranks in his mind. “I would say that’s my top five now. [Joining Michigan, USC, Oregon and Oregon State.]
Coming up, Jackson has three visits planned to round out his summer before high school ball starts up again.
“The last week of July I have USC, Oregon and Oregon State,” Jackson said of upcoming visits.
Florida is one of many schools trying to get Jackson on campus and the athlete is looking into visiting Gainesville.
“It’s a huge possibility,” he said on if he plans to visit Florida. “I’m not sure the last week of July but I definitely will try to get up there.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Michigan and USC are the two teams talked about the most with Jackson early on in his recruitment. Florida is trying to get him on campus for an unofficial and official visit but right now no visits are set up to Gainesville.