IMG Academy DT Jayden Jackson sets Florida Gators official visit
Another day, another confirmed official visitor for Billy Napier and the Gators.
Jayden Jackson, a priority defensive line target from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, says he is officially visiting Florida on June 2-4. That weekend features over a dozen visitors for the SEC program, including quarterback commit DJ Lagway, five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and Texas A&M defensive line commit Dealyn Evans.
Ohio State, Penn State, Texas and Tennessee are the additional schools in Jackson’s top group.
According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, the 6-foot-1.5, 295-pound Jackson is the No. 59 defensive tackle in his class.
“It’s basically everything about their program. I love what they are doing,” Jackson recently told Gators Online when talking about UF. “I love (defensive line) coach Chaos (Sean Spencer); he’s a great dude. Also, I love their DC (Austin Armstrong) and have chatted it up with multiple other dudes there before.
“Knijeah Harris, who I know you know, he goes there as a former player here. All he has said is great things about it, so they sit pretty well with me.”
Big Ten program is trending for Jayden Jackson
According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Buckeyes are trending heavily with odds just south of 90 percent. They have played host three times, including once this spring, and recently received a prediction from Lettermen Row’s Spencer Holbrook. Like the Gators, you can expect the Buckeyes to receive an official visit this summer.
However, UF has the potential to climb to the very top as well. It’s worth noting that Jackson’s family is heavily on board as well, as the Gators made a major impression when his parents visited on April 1.
The Gators check a number of boxes here. They just have to keep chipping away and take advantage of the distance between Gainesville and Bradenton. His experience in Gainesville for the official visit could be everything though.
“I’ve had multiple guys come from Florida and have heard great things about it,” Jackson said. “Also, (my relationship with) coach Chaos, and it’s right here; I’m in Florida. I love how they coach, their defense, just everything.”
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
