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4-Star OLB Levi Jones Names Florida Gators As New Leader
Four-star recruit Levi Jones spent an official visit at Florida this past weekend, and now Jim McElwain's Gators are leading for the talented outside linebacker.
January 16, 2017
Four-star recruit Levi Jones spent an official visit at Florida this past weekend, and now Jim McElwain’s Gators are leading the pack for the talented outside linebacker.
Here’s a flashback for you. Almost two decades ago, Randy Shannon was spending his time coaching linebackers for the Miami Dolphins. One of those linebackers was Robert Jones, a former first-round pick out of East Carolina.
Fast forward to present day, and Shannon is now trying to court Jones’ third son, Levi Jones, a 4-star recruit in the 2017 class, to play for the Gators.
Florida’s prospects of landing him now appear much better following Jones’ official visit to Gainesville this past weekend.
The nation’s No. 14 outside linebacker and No. 189 overall player had previously labeled Florida State as his leader, but now it’s Florida who has taken that top spot.
“I’d say UF, for sure,” Levi told SEC Country. “It was all up in the air, but just going there and seeing Florida really pushed them out front for me.”
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker enjoyed his time with Shannon and the rest of the coaching staff, as that was his first time being in Gainesville.
While Texas A&M, UCLA and USC are all also vying for Levi’s commitment, it’s the Seminoles who pose the biggest threat to the Gators. And even though Jim McElwain’s staff helped itself during the official visit, there’s little more Florida can do besides remain in constant contact and reinforce notions such as playing early. Aside from that, the Gators will have to wait and hope.
“There’s nothing left that they have to do,” Jones said. “It was my first official, so there’s plenty more to come. I just have to let it all come to me, weigh out the pros and cons and everything will come together.”
Levi is scheduled to spend an official visit at USC on Jan. 20 and his last visit at FSU on Jan. 27, right before National Signing Day.
If the Gators can’t reel him in, they’ll turn up the heat even more for 3-star outside linebacker Nick Smith. He’s No. 10 outside linebacker in the state of Florida and recently decommitted from NC State.
Note: Scout rankings and ratings used in this article.
