Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain is known for his time as Alabama offensive coordinator and on Wednesday the Gators went back into the state of Alabama to hand out a new offer.
That offer on Wednesday went to receiver Velus Jones Jr. (6-0, 180, Saraland, AL High) who heard the news from his area recruiter Mike Summers.
“Coach Summers from Florida offered me a scholarship on Wednesday,” Jones said. “He was saying that he wanted me to be a Gator and that he wanted me to come down for the spring to see the campus and see how I like everything. He said he wanted to show me what Florida has going on for them during the visit.”
Jones admits that the offer came as a surprise to him as his communication with Florida has been limited, but Summers made the call and let him know a few things about Florida.
“Coach Summers is the only coach I’ve talked too from Florida but I’ve talked to him a few times,” Jones said. “He has just been telling me that he wants to get to know me and that when I come down for my visit we will talk more about the offense.”
Jones plans to make the 7-hour trip to Gainesville next month where he plans to see his childhood favorite school in person for a second time.
“I’m going to visit for the spring game for sure,” Jones said. “I want to see everything as much as I can. I grew up a Florida fan so I want to see the Swamp and see the people and the new coaching staff. I’ve been to a game there before and the atmosphere was nice so I’m excited to go back.”
The Saraland native, who admits to be a Gators fan, says that he has nobody ahead right now but his high school is giving him good advice on not waiting too long.
“I don’t have a leader right now because I’m interested in any school that is interested in me,” Jones said. “I’m going to talk to my coach and my dad about a decision and stuff. My coach told me that a school like Florida could fill up so I don’t need to wait around if Florida is the right fit for me.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Florida wants to see Jones in person during the spring game before moving further that much but Jones is a very intriguing player that will get a lot of interest this spring.