Gators are a top-five option for 4-star Tampa RB
Although he’s nowhere near the finish line, 4-star running back Javari Barnett says Florida is a school to be taken seriously in his recruitment.
Barnett, a 2026 prospect who recently transferred to Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Bay Technical, was offered by the Gators on Jan. 25. Altogether, nearly 20 Division I opportunities are on the table early on.
“Florida is definitely up there,” Barnett told Gators Online. “I don’t really have an official spot for them or anything, but they’re definitely a school I would attend just off the fact the academics there are off the charts. It’s a great school, so they’re definitely up there in the top five.”
Since receiving the green light from the Florida Gators, Barnett has kept up with running backs coach Jabbar Juluke. Communication has been limited in recent weeks, but that’s largely due to both parties prepping for the upcoming season. Plenty of mutual respect is still in place.
“It hasn’t been like how it used to be, but obviously the season is starting and coach Juluke is busy right now,” said Barnett. “We used to hit each other up a lot, but it’s still every couple of weeks, definitely.”
Javari Barnett is planning another trip to Gainesville
However, luckily for both parties, Barnett told Gators Online on Wednesday he should be in attendance for the Miami game on Aug. 31. He plans to call coach Juluke this week to finalize those plans.
“When I hear Florida, I just think about the fans and how crazy they are, like, how loud the crowd is,” said Barnett. “I didn’t watch a lot of college football growing up, but I would watch if it came on.”
Some schools in consistent communication with the 6-foot, 195-pound junior are Penn State, Ohio State and Miami. Additional suitors include Auburn, Texas A&M, USC, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Iowa and UCF.
According to On3’s rankings, Barnett is the No. 12 athlete and No. 172 prospect overall.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
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