Georgia leads for Stephenson OL

The last lineman in whom Florida was able to snag from Georgia powerhouse Stephenson High School – Jafar Mann – abruptly transferred before the end of his first season in Gainesville.

In order for the Gators to get the next big-time Jaguars lineman on campus, they will certainly have an uphill battle on their hands, as offensive guard/tackle Tyler Jones already has his mind on his home state school.

“Georgia is the leader,” Jones said on Friday after practice at the AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl. “I want my parents to be able to see me play.”

Perhaps not coincidentally, Georgia has also shown the most interest in the 6-foot 4, 270-punder at this early-stage in his recruitment, and while he has yet to receive any offers, he has received mail from Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Tech.

Jones said that he is yet to hear anything from Florida at this point, but if the Gators were to come calling, he would listen.

“I like Florida,” Jones said. “I haven’t gotten anything from them, but if I had the chance I would (visit).”

At this point, Jones is citing proximity to home as the biggest factor in his recruitment.

As for the Junior Bowl, Jones said things went well during the first day of practice. “It was pretty good,” Jones said. “It’s different going against another Division-One athlete. They’re the man at their high school, I’m the man at my high school.”

The AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl will be played on Monday, Dec. 31st. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3 starting at 1 p.m.

 

alex gray
A once-upon-a-time standout on the high school gridiron, Alex unfortunately learned of the inexistent market for 5-foot 10 offensive linemen, and concentrated on remaining involved with sports in some capacity. Upon finishing at the University of Florida, Alex realized his passion for writing and sought a way to combine that passion with his love of sports, thus bringing him to GC. In his spare moments, Alex enjoys spending quality time with his DVR, and is on a current quest to break 120 on the golf course.