The Florida Gators picked up commitment number 10 on Monday when defensive end Jabari Zuniga committed to Florida during his in-home visit with Jim McElwain.
Zuniga who is very quiet guy talked to Gator Country on Tuesday night about why he committed to Florida over North Carolina State and Arkanas.
“When I was on my visit and I was walking around, I just felt like I was at home at Florida,” Zuniga said. “I just felt comfortable there. Everyone on campus was just nice to me and was treating me and mom nice. It just felt right and like home.”
Zuniga waited until McElwain visited him on Monday night before he gave the Gators head man the news and when Zuniga told him the news it was an instant celebration.
“Coach McElwain was fired up and he jumped up and gave me a fist pump when I committed,” Zuniga said. “We did the Gator chomp together during my visit and everything.”
Defensive line coach Terrell Williams was also present went Zuniga committed and the two defensive linemen celebrated together.
“Coach Williams was there when I committed too,” Zuniga said. “He gave me a big hug when I told him I was committing. He’s a funny guy. I like him a lot.”
For Zuniga one of the biggest draws to Florida was the chance to play for Williams, who coached for the Oakland Raiders last season.
“His experience from coaching in the NFL means a lot to me,” Zuniga said. “I have a big opportunity to learn from him and play for him, that means a lot to me. He tells me that I’m going to be an edge rusher and that he’s going to get me better.”
Another big piece in landing Zuniga was convincing Zuniga’s mom that Florida was right and the Gators did just that.
“My mom loved everything,” Zuniga said. “She’s really just excited that I got a full scholarship to play football but she loved Florida and the coaches. She was very happy for me.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Zuniga is a first class person on the field and off the field and he’s extremely excited about going to Florida. Zuniga says he has a lot of work to do.
I hope some other recruits read the accolades Zuniga presents. If some other kids see this, perhaps it’ll make their decisions easier. We could have a super powerful smallish class and on paper and it might not look like a huge deal, but who really cares? These kids could really make a huge difference on the field and that’s where we need it! Especially if a couple of these higher ranked kids follow suit.Go Gators.
Sounds like a great kid. Welcome to the family Zuniga!