Billy Napier and the Florida Gators want to run the football on offense and earlier this week, the team lost running back Trevor Etienne to the transfer portal which means the staff wants to add a second back to the recruiting class.
This weekend, the Gators hosted Arkansas running back commit Jadan Baugh (6-1, 215, Decatur, GA. Columbia) on campus and he enjoyed his time around the staff.
“This weekend was fun for me and my family,” Baugh said of his visit to Florida. “We got to talk to Coach [Billy] Napier, Coach [Jabbar] Juluke, and the rest of the staff. I had fun the whole weekend and I definitely see myself at Florida making a big impact and developing a lot too.”
Baugh was hosted by one of the Gators running backs who explained to him just how Juluke coaches his position.
“Treyaun Webb,” he said on who his player host was. “The whole time he was telling me that it’s real special here and that Coach Juluke treats you like a son. He said you can definitely come here and make a big impact.”
Napier and Juluke both broke down to Baugh about how he would be used on offense and why the Gators’ running backs are so successful.
“They talked to me about it a lot, but he also said that I’m very versatile,” Baugh said on if the staff talked to him about needing him in the running game. “He said I can play receiver and running back and that they use their running backs in the passing game and they also run the ball a lot. He said all weekend that number don’t lie and they have two running backs in the top 10 in rushing.”
Juluke spent more time with Baugh and explained to him just how important his decision is and why he’s wanted in Gainesville.
“Make the right decision for me,” he said on the message from Juluke. “He was like that everywhere is not a great fit for everybody but that they want me and that I can make an impact here. He said still make the right decision for me.”
Baugh had visited Gainesville once before, but this weekend showed the running back that he could fit into the program at Florida and be comfortable in Gainesville.
“Florida has showed me that it’s a home for me and I’m very wanted here,” Baugh said on what he likes about Florida. “I was always told to go where you’re wanted. I like Florida a lot and it moved them up a lot. Florida showed me everything I needed to see during this visit.
Next up for Baugh will be a trip to another SEC school as it’s now a three-team race for the Arkansas commit.
“Alabama, I’m going there next week,” he said on other schools still in the mix for him besides Florida and Arkansas. “I’m looking for a family environment and where is convenient for my family so they can make it to my games.”
After this weekend, Baugh says his commitment to the Hogs is soft and this coming week will be big for him.
“I’m going to say like 50 percent,” Baugh said on his commitment level to Arkansas. “Next week is going to determine everything.”