Impact Analysis: Zuniga commits
The Florida Gators picked up their third commitment in two days when Marietta (Ga.) Sprayberry defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga flipped his commitment from N.C. State to Florida. Inside the Gators will now take a look at this commitment a bit closer with this Impact Analysis.
The Commitment: This verbal pledge seemed like almost a done deal coming off his official visit to Florida last weekend. However, Florida had to wait out him tripping to Arkansas this past weekend before making his final decision. In the end it was the Gators pulling this one out, landing his commitment during an in home visit with Florida head coach Jim McElwain and defensive line coach Terrell Williams.
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I gotta say it feels good to be a gatorπππππππβ Jabari Zuniga (@JabariZuniga) January 27, 2015
What it Means for the Class of 2015: Though he is ranked as a defensive tackle by Rivals.com the Gators are looking for Zuniga to make an impact as an edge rusher in Gainesville. He is currently the only edge rusher in the class and the second along the defensive line joining defensive tackle Andrew Ivie. With it being such a big need, expect the staff to attempt to add one or two more this cycle at the position. A few names Florida has on the board are five-star's Byron Cowart and CeCe Jefferson, and two-star Luke Ancrum.
Analyst Reaction: "It's good for the Gators to land a guy like this to provide depth and learn under the instruction of the new coaching staff. With a transition class it's good for the coaching staff to go out and get guys they want and make no mistake this is a guy Jim McElwain and company coveted since extending the offer. Zuniga has his best years of football ahead of him." - Rivals.com Southeast Analyst Wood Wommack
Impact At Florida: With BUCK linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. declaring early for the NFL draft, the Gators have a big hole to fill on the edge. Though they still have guys like Bryan Cox Jr. and Alex McCalister, there's still an immediate need for young bodies. Zuniga has a ton of upside and can provide solid depth next year while filling out and learning more about the game he hasn't played for very long.