RB Matt Jones is Florida’s third 2012 commit

By Adam Silverstein
February 14, 2011

Less than 10 days after 2011 National Signing Day concluded, Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp has made his first splash for the 2012 cycle, earning a verbal commitment from four-star running back Matt Jones (Seffner, FL) over the weekend.

Jones, a member of the Rivals250 who is considered by many to be the best rusher in the state of Florida, was thrilled to hear about the Gators’ pro-style offense when he sat down with Muschamp and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis during Florida’s Junior Day. Though he gave them his verbal pledge over the weekend, he wanted to make his decision public in order to avoid dealing with the stresses that come with recruiting.

He plans to make a “solid commitment” (the words of his high school head coach) to UF on Wednesday at 7 p.m., according to The Tampa Tribune.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that Muschamp and Weis told Jones he was their No. 1 target at his position and that he is unlike any other back currently on the roster. At approximately 6’2″ and 210 lbs., Jones rushed for 1,447 yards and accounted for 29 total touchdowns as a junior at Armwood High School.

“When I was at Florida [on] Saturday, I knew that is what I wanted. I love the staff and coach Muschamp is great. I knew I was going to do it but I did not tell them until later in the day,” Jones told Scout.com. “I felt great up there and the Gator Nation better be ready. When I told coach Muschamp, he was real jacked up and I made his day. He told me they needed a guy like me and great players want to play with other great players. I just want to go up there and compete. I plan on rocking the entire Gator Nation.”

Jones joins four-stars defensive tackle Omari Phillips (Venice, FL) and wide receiver LaTroy Pittman (Citra, FL) as the Gators’ third 2012 commitment.

Photo Credit: Chris Zuppa/St. Petersburg Times

17 Comments

  1. Gatorbuc15 says:

    Yeah baby! Welcome aboard Matt!

  2. FISH-GATOR-59 says:

    Great pickup! Pumped to see he is exicted about becoming a Gator this early.

  3. KB says:

    Looks like a beast of a back. At 6’2 200 lbs as a junior with some quicks, shimee, and power. Great get for UF just hope it does not interfere with the bloodline Kelvin Taylor and cause him to shine away from UF down the road if this kid comes into Florida beasting.

  4. DGlockUF says:

    This athlete could be great for us. Big, power, moves, looks to have some good speed. Anyone know his 40 dash time?
    GO GATORS!!!

  5. David says:

    I hate to be David Downer, but as we have seen in recent years, a lot can change in the next year till NSD. That said, a HUGE get. BOOM!!!!

  6. Daniel M. says:

    Yahtzee! Did UF actually just land a power back?

    I’d like to see what his 40 is. He has very long strides that don’t look particularly quick.

  7. John S says:

    Nice job by the coaching staff, welcome to Gator Nation Matt.

  8. Drew 4 Orange & Blue says:

    Kid reminds me of Stephen Jackson…..does he plan on playing RB at the next level? The reason I ask is if he is 6’2” now my guess is this kid is going to be 6’4” or 6’5” and that is extremely tall for a RB

  9. CH says:

    I’m going to miss the spread, but who doesn’t love smash mouth football. BOOM!!

  10. npgator says:

    As long as he has football speed that is all that matters. Great get and welcome to the Gator Nation Matt!

  11. jay d says:

    This is exactly what gator football needs…I love watching our speedsters break big runs off the edge…but having a power back can add versatility to the attack!!…great choice on becomming a gator!! Love it !!

  12. Scooterp says:

    You just don’t see running backs built like that anymore. He could very easily hit 230 pounds with that frame, especially after Coach Mario gets ahold of him, I say chances are slim he finishes out his college years on the offensive side of the ball. It would be to tempting to move him to LB.

  13. Scooterp says:

    ……… 5-11, 205 with 4.5 speed is a power back now-a-days.

  14. thebutlr says:

    We’re ready Matt! Rock our world!

  15. Nick says:

    A small consolation prize for the total whiff on James Wilder Jr last season?

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