Florida received a commitment from running back Dalvin Cook two weeks ago and are now looking for a second back for the 2014 class.
One of those backs that has the Gators attention is Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter’s Prep running back Jonathan Hilliman.
“Coach (Brian) White came by school today,” Hilliman said. “He was telling my coach about Florida and what the Gators could offer me as far as playing time and academically. I think Florida as a whole is good both academically and athletically, so I trusted what he was saying. “
This was the first time for Hilliman to meet running back coach Brian White and he came away impressed by what he saw.
“He seemed like a good and standup guy,” Hilliman said. “I know he has coached a lot of great running backs in his career at Wisconsin, Syracuse and now at Florida. So he has a good career and experience, so I know he could help me get better.”
Some Gator fans may recognize the high school, St. Peter’s Prep, from last year when cornerback Tre Bell committed to Florida and then later de-committed.
The situation ended in a messy way but the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Hilliman says that doesn’t bother him at all.
“My coach asked me the day Florida offered me if I had bad feelings towards Florida,” Hilliman said. “I told him no, because Tre is a defensive back and that’s a different situation for him. There is no bad blood because it was a business decision for Florida and you have to know that recruiting is real.”
Hilliman doesn’t have a leader right now but he does have interest in the Gators and plans to come see Florida.
“I’m very interested in Florida,” Hilliman said. “I could see myself at Florida. This summer I’ll be in Florida with my family, so I’ll visit Miami and Florida both. In September, I will have a top 5 and Florida has a very good chance to be in that.”