Jacob Eason Decision: Predictions, Update Following Georgia Visit

Jacob Eason’s decision is so close we can taste it, love it, hate it, debate it, and celebrate it.

The recruiting battle between the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs has really heated up since Georgia fired Mark Richt, who was the head coach of the Bulldogs for 15 years — including when Eason committed back in July of 2014.

The No.1-ranked pro-style quarterback and No. 2 overall prospect, according to 247Sports, took an official visit to Gainesville, Fla. two weeks ago. Despite a report indicating Eason was planning a flip to the Gators, he didn’t.

Jim McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier visited Eason late last week, and they left Lake Stevens, Wash. without securing a commitment from the five-star signal caller.

Eason visited Athens, Ga. this past weekend and left without reaffirming his commitment to the Bulldogs, according to Luke Stampini of 247Sports.

With a decision expected to be made sometime this week, Eason has a lot of thinking to do. But apparently there are some other top-end recruits who are willing to do the thinking for him.

SEC Country’s Zach Abolverdi spoke with some of the nation’s top recruits, and they gave their predictions for where Eason ends up. Below are a couple of the reactions.

2016 four-star offensive lineman Ben Cleveland (UGA commit): “I still feel pretty confident that he is going to be coming to UGA in January. That’s up to him and his parents to make that final decision ultimately, but I still have pretty high confidence in it. I think Georgia definitely did everything it could to kind of reassure that commitment.”

2016 three-star JUCO wide receiver Dre Massey (UF commit): “I know they’re looking to get Jacob Eason, too. I think (Florida’s) chances are good, but he’s been with Georgia for a while. We’ll see what happens. I’m excited about Feleipe. I met him on my visit and he’s a real cool dude. He’s actually a lot more mature than you might think for a high school player. He’s got height on him and he’ll be able to see over that Florida offensive line.”

247Sports’ Crystal Ball predictions has Georgia leading at 31% and Florida just behind at 23%.

If Eason goes to Florida, he’ll have a chance to play early because quarterback Will Grier will still be serving his suspension for violating NCAA rules. Backup QB Treon Harris was unable to sustain the offensive success the Gators experienced in the first half of the season.

The Gators also have four-star quarterback Feleipe Franks and three-star quarterback Kyle Trask coming in via the 2016 recruiting cycle, but the consensus opinion (right now) is that Eason could beat out all of them for the starting job.

Georgia, on the other hand, has Greyson Lambert, Brice Ramsey, Sam Vaughn and Nick Robinson coming back at the quarterback position — barring any other transfers. Junior Faton Bauta has already announced his intention to transfer.

New head coach Kirby Smart’s hiring of Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Jim Chaney certainly makes it interesting because of his roots to the spread offense while at Purdue (1997-2005). But Eason would reportedly rather play in a pro-style offense, and Chaney has experience with that, too, having used it with Tennessee (2009-2012).

Eason has the potential to change a program, and we’ll know later this week which one that will be.

UPDATE: Kirby Smart talks Jacob Eason’s visit.

Jacob Eason Decision: Predictions, Update Following Georgia Visit

MORE: Jim McElwain Leaves ‘Strong Impression On Jacob Eason

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