Amari Cooper shouts out On300 WR Andy Jean, UF's Tiger Jones
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Four-star wideout Andy Jean received a social media shout-out Tuesday from NFL receiver Amari Cooper, who now plays for the Cleveland Browns.
The former Alabama standout attended Miami Northwestern High School, where Jean has emerged as one of the top WR recruits in the 2023 class. Jean also wears No. 2, Cooper’s old number.
“Andy Jean, boy they say you’re doing your thing out there in the West. They say you rocking that deuce, keeping the tradition alive,” Cooper said in the video below. “They say you got the route. They say you got the full package.”
Who brought Cooper up to speed on Jean? None other than former AFL standout Tiger Jones, who is now the director of speed improvement and skill development at Florida.
Jones was a three-time First Team All-Arena selection and the Wide Receiver of the Year in 2011. He finished his career with 1,041 receptions for 14,329 yards and 286 touchdowns.
Cooper revealed that Jones trained him for the 2015 NFL Combine, where he ran 4.42. He was drafted fourth overall by the Raiders. The two remain in touch and recently discussed Jean.
“Tiger Jones say you got the full package. That’s the Tiger Jones,” Cooper said. “The one who trained me. Got me right mentally, physically, everything for the combine. So, tap in with that boy at the University of Florida. He’s doing his thing; you’re doing your thing. Even if it’s just quick, he’s going to get you right mentally. Tap in with that boy.”
Talk about a ringing endorsement.
Jean had already named UF his leader after officially visiting June 24-26, and Cooper’s mention of Jones only helps Florida’s case. Jean also included Alabama, Georgia, Miami, and Texas A&M in his top five last Saturday.
It’s interesting to see Cooper helping the Gators on the recruiting trail despite his Alabama allegiance. Of course, Jones isn’t his only connection to Gainesville. First-year head coach Billy Napier was Cooper’s position coach for two years with the Tide, and UF receivers coach Keary Colbert was an offensive analyst and worked under Napier during Cooper’s final season in Tuscaloosa.
“I was hanging out with Coach Napier,” Jean told Gators Online after his official visit. “Every time I went out to eat, I was sitting with him, so that showed all his focus on me.
“[Colbert] showed me the things he does, how my game play will fit into the offense. He showed me I’m a big priority and how I can impact this school.”
Jean, who also visited Florida three times in the spring, plans to return for Friday Night Lights and the recruiting cookout, and again this fall for the LSU game on Oct. 15.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Jean is ranked the No. 16 wide receiver and No. 109 overall prospect by On3. UF is currently the leader in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine at 86.0 percent.
In other Florida football news
- The league announced the attendees for all 14 teams at SEC Media Days next week, including a trio of Florida players.
UF recruiting roundup
- Corey’s Corner: The latest intel on which running back target could join Treyaun Webb at Florida’s 2023 class.
- The new energy in Gainesville has the full attention of top-100 defensive lineman Kelby Collins, who visits this month.
- Four-star offensive tackle Tyree Adams has scheduled another trip to UF, this time for his official visit with the Gators.
Gators sports roundup
- The Florida men’s basketball program announced its non-conference schedule for the 2022-23 season on Tuesday.
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Gators Twitter updates
- Florida’s attendees for 2022 SEC Media Days:
