With four cornerbacks already committed to Florida’s recruiting class of 2014, the Gators are still looking to add instant playmakers at the position. Jalen Tabor (6-1, 186, Washington D.C Friendship Collegiate Academy) fits the bill but to land the talented defender, the Gators are going to have to emerge from a three-team pack.
Before any decision is made, Tabor will complete his official visits according to his father, Willie Tabor.
“We went to Maryland this past weekend for an official that was our first one,” Willie Tabor said. “I don’t think he will take one to Arizona now because they are in the playoffs. He will take his next official to Florida on December 13th. I’m not sure when he will take an official to Alabama because of the playoffs going.”
Tabor’s dad indicated that Arizona has pretty much been eliminated as a landing place.
“He’s down to Alabama, Florida and Maryland right now,” Willie Tabor said. “He plans to announce his decision at the Under Armour All-American game. Right now I don’t think he’s leaning anywhere because one day he will say one thing and then the next day it’s something different. I think everyone will be guessing until January 2nd when he announces.”
All three schools have needs for cornerbacks and with Tabor’s talent it won’t be a problem getting on the field early. That only complicates an already tough decision but Willie Tabor says Jalen knows what he is looking for.
“He’s taking his time and trying to make the best decision for him and going through the pros and cons of each school,” Willie Tabor said. “As parents we will help him as much as possible but at the end of the day he has to make the best decision for him because he’s the one that has to go to class.”
Florida has always been a school of major interest but the Gators haven’t had a lot of on the field success in 2013. Apparently, that won’t be a problem for Jalen.
“The bad season hasn’t affected him at all,” Tabor said. “He’s a smart kid and he knows everyone has a bad season. A bad season won’t play a factor in his recruitment at all. He looks at the bigger picture of the program.”
The Gators haven’t talked to Tabor’s father that much but he says that the coaching staff talks to his mother and to Jalen a lot.
“Florida talks to his mother more than anyone,” Tabor said. “They are pushing really hard for Jalen and are just trying to build a better relationship with both of them. I think the coaches talk to either Jalen or his mother once a week.”
SpiveySays: After talking to his father I feel like Florida is still in the mix but the coaching staff must do a good job of slowing down the rumors of coaching changes as well as show Tabor that the Gators are rebuilding. Tabor has always talked about his love for Florida so impressing him shouldn’t be that hard. Also Tabor idolizes former Gator cornerback Joe Haden.