4-star Florida Gators edge target Kendall Jackson moves up decision date; 2-way tie at the top

Kendall Jackson, the 4-star edge from Gainesville (Fla.) Buchholz, has long planned to announce his commitment decision the first week in August.

Not anymore.

Jackson (@big_Ken8 on Twitter), a top Florida target, has moved his commitment date up to July 20.

“I just decided to move it up so I can worry about getting bigger, stronger and faster for my senior season,” he told Gators Online.

Two weeks ago, Jackson said the Gators held a “good lead” over the field. But after taking official visits to Arkansas and Kentucky, things have changed.

“It’s kind of a tie between UF and Kentucky for the most part,” Jackson said Monday. And, he added, “I have Miami this weekend so I’ll see what they have to offer.”

Jackson, listed at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, is the No. 45 recruit in the state of Florida for On3.

Gators assistant Mike Peterson, has been one of Florida’s point men in Jackson’s recruitment. Peterson played at Florida attended high school 20 minutes from campus.s

“Coach Mike P — that’s a great guy,” Jackson said two weeks ago. “Great dude. Great coach. He keeps it real. Me being a local and him being a former local kid, that’s our connection right there. He can help me as far as if I were to come here. With me being a local. How to do the ins and outs of being a Gator and being a student-athlete. Coach is friendly. But he’s going to keep it real with you. That’s what I like and respect about coach. He’s not going to sugarcoat anything. Some people don’t like that, but I love it. I prefer a coach to keep it real with me over everything.”

How significant of a factor is Peterson in this recruitment?

“A big factor,” Jackson said. “That’s going to be my position coach. I know I’d be playing under someone I can trust and he can develop me the right away.”

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