Jon Sumrall has secured the Florida Gators a late transfer addition in the most unexpected way possible
You never want to say no to talent for your football team, but this is a very unexpected way for the Florida Gators.
Recruiting for the Florida Gators under head coach Jon Sumrall has been booming in recent weeks.
After Billy Napier had just two commits by the end of April last year, Sumrall has a whopping ten commits and a class trending to land in the top-10.
- Five-star offensive lineman Maxwell Hiller
- Four-star cornerback Aamaury Fountain
- Four-star cornerback Amare Nugent
- Four-star quarterback Davin Davidson
- Four-star offensive lineman Peyton Miller
- Four-star wide receiver Anthony Jennings
- Four-star wide receiver Tramond Collins
- Four-star tight end Jackson Ballinger
- Three-star tight end Tommy Douglas
- Three-star defensive lineman De’Voun Kendrick
The recruiting doesn’t stop at any point, and Sumrall found himself a fascinating prospect, and he doesn’t play football.
Florida Gators land fascinating commitment in the transfer portal
Sumrall has been looking heavily at tight ends since he became the head coach, and he ended up with one in an interesting background. The basketball transfer portal opened right after the national championship game, and it gave Sumrall his next tight end in Jacksonville forward Jaylen Jordon.
We’ve seen plenty of basketball players transition to the gridiron. Julius Peppers was a forward for North Carolina, Tony Gonzalez for Cal, Jimmy Graham for Miami (FL), and Antonio Gates for Kent State. There is a history of players taking the jump.
What’s really interesting here is Jordon worked out for scouts at the Gators’ pro day, but nobody bit on it. That’s where things get interesting, because now he will have a season of college football.
Gators Online’s Corey Bender believes this is a fascinating addition for the Gators, but it’s one with a lot of variables, mainly that he hasn’t played football.
This is a different type of addition for Florida. Jordon does not have a football background like most players, but his basketball experience gives him traits that can translate. His body control, athleticism, footwork, and ability in space stand out.
Right now, he is a developmental option. Florida is betting on his upside and athletic ability more than experience. Still, it is an interesting move. If the transition comes together, Jordon could turn into a unique piece on offense.
Corey bender
Gators Online
Will it work? Who knows, but it will be worth watching over the next year.