Gators LB target Kris Jones: Two reasons for optimism, two reasons for concern
We are ways away from the finish line, but the Gators are trending up on the recruiting trail with over a half-dozen prospects currently in the fold.
According to the 2024 Industry Ranking Football Team Recruiting Rankings, Florida is equipped with the No. 4-ranked class. Four prospects currently have a ranking inside the top 100, with five-star quarterback DJ Lagway leading the way as the headliner.
However, there is always room for improvement, yet there should be plenty of optimism as well. Part of that is due to the Gators having a jam-packed June that will feature nearly two-dozen official visitors, including priority linebacker target Kris Jones.
With that said, here are two reasons for optimism regarding the Gators’ pursuit of the Virginia-based linebacker — and two reasons for concern.
Why the Gators should be optimistic about Kris Jones…
From a relationship standpoint, the Gators are knocking it out of the park with Jones, especially inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman. The fellow Virginia native brings a family-like vibe to their relationship, as they can relate on several things happening back home. Florida is the school Jones has the best relationship with as well and that always goes a long way during the recruiting process. The communication between Florida and the All-American defender is strong and consistent.
Jones has seen everything the Gators have to offer. Three trips to campus have already taken place, while an official visit is on the calendar for June 2-4. The most recent visit was centered on UF’s academics and the living situation for the players. Before exiting campus, Bateman and defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong made sure to cover Jones’ projected fit as well. There is a strong level of familiarity that has the Gators near the very top. if not at the top.
Two reasons why they should be concerned…
The timing of Florida’s official visit is something to monitor. The Gators are hosting nearly a dozen official visitors during that first weekend of June, including Jones and several UF commits. That will allow both the staff and players to roll out the red carpet in hopes of sealing the deal that weekend; however, Georgia is on the calendar two weekends later. If Florida does not receive his commitment before that trip to Athens, UGA will be fresh in his mind and the school to have received the most recent visit. Recruiting is about momentum, and that is a very important stretch for all parties.
The Gators are not the only program that has received several visits. Georgia, Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan are also in the top group, and of those schools, Jones has visited three of them at least two times. He is plenty familiarity with each of his finalists, so that tight-knit relationship with Bateman and the rest of the UF staff will be key down the stretch.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
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