Holland bonding with Gator staff

Florida is looking to repeat a strong recruiting performance in the Jacksonville area last year, again in 2013.

One of the Gators’ top targets in the 2015 class is Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian linebacker Jeffrey Holland who was back on campus for Friday Night Lights.

“I have been up to Florida several times, probably over 10 times already,” Holland said. “I went to four games last year. I just came up to see my boy Nick (Washington) and see the competition at Friday Night Lights.”

The 6-foot-2, 226-pound Holland is very close with Florida freshman safety Nick Washington because the two went to the same school.

Washington is recruiting Holland hard to Florida and on Friday, Holland rode to Gainesville with Washington’s father and little brother.

“Nick says I should come here and that I would fit in well into the defensive scheme because I’m a fast, physical linebacker,” Holland said. “I’m always hanging out with Nick, so that’s pretty cool that he wants me up here with him.”

Earlier this summer Holland stated that he wanted to make a decision before the start of his junior season, but he now says that may not happen and that he doesn’t have a leader now either.

“I don’t know, I’m still thinking about it but I don’t know,” Holland said. “Right now Florida, Ohio State, Tennessee and Alabama are recruiting me the hardest but I don’t have a top or anything.”

Florida already has Holland’s good friend on board, but they are also doing a good job recruiting Holland and building a relationship with him.

“I like Florida, they are close to home,” Holland said. “I have a good bond with coach (D.J.)Durkin and coach (Will) Muschamp, all of the staff is cool.”

Holland says he plans to visit Florida this fall for several of Gator home games.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.