Georgia four-star linebacker commit goes in-depth on Florida visit
This past weekend Watkinsville (Ga.) Oconee County linebacker Jaleel Laguins took an official visit to the University of Florida. The four-star linebacker had already visited UF in the past under the previous coaching staff, but this was his first time spending time with the first year coaching staff now in place.
“The visit as a whole was pretty fun, I enjoyed myself,” said Laguins. “They took me around campus and showed you how your daily life would be like on campus. I got to hang out with my player host and see the town.”
The Gators are looking to close out their 2016 class strong at the linebacker position. During the Georgia commits visit to Gainesville the staff made sure to let him know he would see the field early at Florida.
“Their message was really that they are scarce at linebacker and need some guys. I can see that for myself looking at the depth chart and I have to take that into consideration. I feel like they would cross train me to play all three linebacker spots across the board.”
Though he lives in the Peach State, Laguins is familiar with the style of defense the Gators play and feels he could fit into their defensive scheme.
“They like to get after it and they play defense the way you should,” said Laguins. “A lot of teams have great defenses and Florida is one of them. I feel like they play fast and they could use my speed to their advantage. Teams would have to plan their scheme around a fast defense.”
It has been Florida defensive coordinator Geoff Collins leading the charge in the recruitment of Laguins. The two spent a great deal of time together during the official visit and Laguins was glad to see Collins once again.
“He is a crazy guy man - he is crazy,” said Laguins with a laugh. “I like him as a coach and a recruiter. You can tell he is a guy that will be fired up on game day.”
The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder didn’t only spend time with the coaching staff while on campus, but the players on the team as well. However it was his player host, and Georgia native Jarrad Davis that Laguins spent most of his time around.
“His message to me was to enjoy the now and that no matter what school I go to it’s going to be a grind. At every college the locker room is full of players trying to get the same goal. He just told me to enjoy the now but when I get to a campus it’s time to work.”
Going forward Laguins was planning to visit Tennessee and Georgia before National Signing Day. However with the loss of the Volunteers former defensive coordinator that visit is now off. That doesn't mean though that it is a two team race. Alabama seems to be in play now with Laguins relationship with new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt due to his time at UGA.
“They are over the next two weeks Alabama will be next weekend on the 22nd and then Georgia will be my last visit on the 29th.”
Though he remains committed to Georgia coming off the visit and doesn’t plan to have a final decision until after his upcoming official visit the Gators made a positive impression during his time on campus.
“I wouldn’t have taken the visit to Florida if they weren’t an option so I just want to take these next two visit because I want to make sure I fit in at a school. The visit to Florida helped them out so it was good.”
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