The past few days haven’t gone the Florida Gators’ way in recruiting but on Tuesday the Gators received some good news as tight end Kalif Jackson (6-4, 220, Neptune Beach, FL Fletcher) committed to Will Muschamp and the Gators.
“Coach Muschamp said he was extremely excited and he can’t wait to coach me,” Jackson said. “He said I’m great player and I have great character. He said that I have everything he looks for in a football player.”
Florida just offered Jackson on Tuesday morning to play the tight end position — a position that Jackson has never played before but he’s ok with the position.
“They want me at the “B” position,” Jackson said. “I like it, I know with my size and ability that I could play the hybrid receiver/tight end position. I know I can play football and excel so I’m cool with the B position.”
Jackson’s believes the move to tight end can actually help him dominate defenses in the SEC.
“If I’m matched up with a linebacker I’m going to give them problems with my size,” Jackson said. “I’m going to have to gain some weight but I’m going to cause problems for the defense.”
Over the summer, Jackson has camped at Florida twice and both times he came away impressed by the coaches and environment.
“I liked Florida, it was a great environment on Friday,” Jackson said. “Everyone went out there and competed and the coaches were encouraging. I got a great vibe from the coaches and they try and get the best out of you in every rep.”
Florida fans have seen prospects decommit over the last few days but Jackson says that won’t be the case for him.
“This is my final decision for me,” Jackson said. “My mom went to school there and it’s only an hour and a half away from home. I’m familiar with everything so, yes, I’m solid.”
Now that Jackson has his Florida offer and has committed he can now focus on winning a state championship in high school.
“It feels like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulder now,” Jackson said. “I can take a deep breath and focus on my senior year. It’s a dream come true.”
Much like the rest of the Gators commits Jackson plans to now start recruiting for Florida and he has a top target.
“This is Florida ’15. I’m going to get some players for us,” Jackson said. “My top target is my boy Auden Tate. We are the twin towers.”
Jackson is commitment number eight for Florida and joins Camrin Knight at the tight end position in the class.
INSIDER TAKE: I like this pickup for Florida a lot because Jackson can jump out of the stadium and he was very impressive at Friday Night Lights. Jackson definitely fits the mold of hybrid tight end that Kurt Roper wants on offense.
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