On Monday, the Florida Gators offered another 2023 prospect as they continue to build their recruiting board.
Defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett (6-5, 330, Greensboro, NC. Grimsley) picked up an offer after he talked to a coach that he’s very familiar with.
“Coach Jay Bateman offered me,” Jarrett said on the coach who offered him on Monday. “Me and him had a close bond when he was at North Carolina, and it just transferred over when he got to Florida.”
Jarrett picked up an offer from the old staff at Florida but he was excited to hear that the new staff still wants him.
“I was happy, and I looked at this offer as another blessing to have,” he said on what the offer means to him. “I’m interested in their program and what their new staff is going to bring to the table.”
Linebackers coach Jay Bateman explained to Jarrett just why he’s wanted in Gainesville and how he would fit into things at Florida.
“Coach Bateman made it clear that he loved my updated film,” Jarrett said on the message from Jarrett. “He said he could use me in the middle or three tech and cause havoc on the line of scrimmage or make a pathway for backers to get free. I think with the way things are looking, I’d play very quickly at Florida.”
Jarrett has never visited Gainesville before, but he does know a few things about the Gators program, and he likes that Bateman is now at Florida.
“I like that Coach Bateman is there and me and him are close so that’s cool,” he said on what he likes about Florida. “I love how Florida has that great team support and the whole game support from fans at the games.”
The relationship between Bateman and Jarrett is a strong one and the defensive tackle explained what makes the assistant coach a good one.
“I love how Coach Bateman is a family man,” Jarrett said on what he likes about Bateman. “I met his family twice and they made me feel like I was a part of theirs. Coach Bateman loves the heck out of his recruits and players.”
Next up for Jarrett will be several visits and he’s hoping to make it down to Florida for a visit to see Bateman and the Gators.
“I’ll try my best to visit Florida in the spring,” he said on upcoming visit plans. “As of March, I’ll be at Tennessee and most likely Clemson and Georgia.”