Jarquez Carter’s bond with new UF assistant has Gators rising

According to Newberry (Fla.) 3-star defensive lineman Jarquez Carter, he’s really starting to click with first-year Florida Gators defensive line coach Gerald Chatman.

And because of it, Florida has risen lately in Carter’s recruitment.

“Me and Coach Chatman have built a relationship and a bond and I think that’s helped a lot,” Carter told Gators Online.

Carter visited Florida on Thursday. It was the third time he’s made the short drive to Gainesville to watch the Gators practice this spring.

Jarquez Carter enjoyed watching UF practice Thursday

“It went great,” Carter said. “There’s always energy and seeing Coach Chatman — he knows the right buttons to push to get the D-Line going. They were kind of walking around a little in the beginning of practice but he pushed that button. All of a sudden, they turned out to be a force to be reckoned with.”

One player on the Florida defensive line stood out, Carter said.

“I would say Cam Jackson … as always,” Carter said. “Seeing a guy that big move with ease. He’s kind of slimmed down. That has helped with his pass rush skills.  I’d say I’m a different player than him but we both have work ethic and give it our all. Me and Cam have worked out together. We’re close.”

According to Carter, he got one-on-one time with Florida coach Billy Napier on Thursday.

“He was telling me that he enjoyed recruiting me, that I’m a person that he loves,” Carter said. “He likes that I come to practice and I’m always engaged and learning and trying to learn different things. And he was telling me I have a great frame. I’m 285 (pounds) but he said I look 260 and I could easily get to that 300-pound range in a way with muscle.”

Carter thinks highly of Napier.

“People criticize him for the way he talks but he talks calm and is patient,” Carter said. “He talks with a lot of wisdom. Listening to him talk is fun.”

Carter will officially visit the Gators on May 31. Additional officials will go to Miami, Ohio State, Penn State and UCF. He said he likely will wait until after his Buckeyes official — which will be in the fall — to make a commitment.

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