The Florida Gators have made IMG a big priority ever since Billy Napier arrived in Gainesville and this weekend they hosted another IMG prospect on an official visit.
Linebacker Jordan Hall (6-2, 225, Bradenton, FL. IMG) was on campus for the fourth time this year but this time was a little different.
“It was great, it’s always great being here,” Hall said of his official visit to Florida. “This is my first time coming here with my family, I wanted to give them the opportunity to see the things that I’ve been seeing and meet some of the people that I’ve met.”
Hall’s parents had the opportunity to see what the linebacker likes about the school so far and his parents were impressed.
“I really feel like they liked it and enjoyed their selves,” he said on his parents’ impressions of Florida. “They’ve liked the people that they’ve met, they did a really good job of showing great hospitality and making us feel very welcomed. I enjoyed myself and they did also.”
Linebackers coach Jay Bateman is a guy that has known Hall for years now and is a big reason the Gators made his top five.
“Coach Bateman is definitely one of the closer coaches that I’m with,” Hall said of his relationship with Bateman. “Knowing him from UNC, he’s done a really good job of recruiting me and we talk frequently. He’s a big part in my recruitment here.”
Bateman and the Gators staff have explained to Hall just how he would fit into Florida’s defense if he picks the Gators for college.
“They see me as that vocal Mike leader,” he said on where Florida wants him to play. “They want to utilize me in one-on-one matchups with the back and send me on pressures. Maybe have me come off the edge a little bit, be more versatile.”
Head coach Billy Napier also had the chance to sit down with Hall and his parents this weekend and explain to the parents why Florida is a good choice.
“Every time I’ve come here, I’ve sat down with him [Napier], this time was a little different having my family with me,” Hall said on meeting with Napier. “He just basically told them the same thing that he has told me. He likes me, he likes the way I play, and that they can use me and need me. He said that I will be taken care of if I come here.”
The Gators made Hall’s top five this past week and he says a big reason Florida made the cut was because of the people and the opportunities in Gainesville.
“Really just the relationships,” he said on what made Florida a finalist for him. “The opportunity that Florida brings, it’s a great opportunity to come in and play early. They have [Derek] Wingo and guys that will be leaving in the next year or so. He [Napier] describes me as that puzzle piece that will come in and fit right in.”
Following the visit, Hall says the Gators are definitely a school strongly in the mix but his official visits will determine more.
“Florida is in that top five list for a reason,” Hall said. “I’m going to take the rest of my official visits and then sit down and talk with my family. After this weekend, Florida is a good school but they’re looking pretty good.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Hall plans to announce his decision on July 9th.