Rumph and Scott discuss LeBron James: Florida Gators recruiting

One of the biggest needs for the Florida Gators recruiting in 2017 is at defensive tackle, as the Gators didn’t one land in the class of 2016.

Defensive line coach Chris Rumph has been working hard on instate defensive tackle Jordon Scott (6-1, 345, Largo, FL Pinellas Park) since Scott was offered last week.

On Monday their conversations didn’t have anything to do with spring football or the coaches coming by, but more on what’s happening on the hardwood.

“Coach Rumph and Coach Nuss [Doug Nussmeier] both came by for my spring game last week,” Scott said. “I talk to Coach Rumph a lot, I talked to him [Monday night] about the basketball game. He told me that he didn’t like LeBron [James] like that, but I’m a LeBron fan.”

Rumph and Scott do talk about football a lot as well, and the Gators coach made sure to compliment the tackle on his play last week.

“We talk about defense and me fitting in and stuff like that, but not a lot,” he said of his talks with Rumph. “Right now he’s just trying to get to know me, but he did tell me that I had a good game at the spring game. He said that I dominated but I told him that I could’ve done better.”

Offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier recruits Scott’s area and he made sure to tell the Pinellas Park tackle how much he was impressed.

“Coach Nuss was there the whole time but Coach Rumph didn’t get there until the end,” Scott said of Nussmeier. “Coach Nuss said that he was surprised that I was in such good shape and that he thought that I was explosive and stuff like that.”
Defensive coordinator Geoff Collins also speaks with Scott some over the phone and the Gators’ coach shared some personal news with the prospect.

“I talk to Coach Collins a lot too, he told me that he was out this week because they had adopted a kid,” Scott said. “He sent me a picture of the kid and told me that he can’t wait to meet me and for me to meet his family when I get up there for a visit.”

Florida has made no secret to Scott about how much he’s needed in Gainesville this year.

“They’re telling me that they’re only going to sign three defensive tackles this year,” he said. “I feel like that they’re recruiting me pretty hard because I talk to at least one coach from Florida every day. Also this wasn’t the first time they’ve sent two coaches to see me either. That means a lot because most colleges don’t send two people.”

Scott admits that the Florida Gators have been recruiting him hard and he says that other teams have failed to do so.

“Compared to other teams, I feel like Florida really wants me,” he said of Florida’s interest in him. “Some schools just said they offer me and we haven’t talked since but me and the coaching staff at Florida talks a lot.”

INSIDERS TAKE: Scott said he plans to visit both Florida and Florida State this summer and that he wants to make a decision on November 25th which is a month before his birthday. The Gators seem to be in good shape with the big instate defensive tackle.

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.