Four-star defensive lineman Jamaal Jarrett previously held an offer from Florida under coach Dan Mullen. But on Monday, new head coach Billy Napier extended a scholarship toward the 6-foot-5-inch, 309-pound junior.
His relationship with the Gators is still in the early development stage, but Jarrett has a previous connection with one of Napier’s assistants: inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman. Jarrett told Corey Bender’s On3 that they developed a tight bond when Bateman coached at North Carolina. The new Florida assistant immediately reached out to Jarrett and started recruiting him to UF once Napier hired him.
Despite his ranking as a four-star defensive lineman, some schools are recruiting him to play offense. What about the Gators?
“They want me to be the big man in the middle on defense,” Jarrett said. “I prefer defense, but a lot of coaches want me on offense. Whatever works for them. Works for me.”
He also appreciates Bateman’s loyalty and belief in him. Because of that, Jarrett said Florida would make his top eight or nine if he made a list.
“I just love their support,” he said. “Their fans support the heck out of their school. The games are awesome and the whole town is there, so it’s just awesome. The coaches are cool, too; the new coaches are great.”
When the recruiting dead period is lifted at the start of March, he plans to visit Tennessee on March 5, but Jarrett said he’s mulling visits to Florida and Georgia, too. He also holds offers from Alabama, Miami, Michigan, Kentucky, Penn State as well as others.
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