McRoy ready to contribute
Florida hosted several of their top offensive targets when they faced off against LSU last weekend in the Swamp. While some prospects may have seen Florida's offensive struggles during the loss in a negative light, Lakeland (Fla.) athlete Javares McRoy instead saw an opportunity.
"I don't like for it to sound like I'm being cocky, but I think I'm the type of player they need," said McRoy. "I'm the type of player that can get down the field and catch deep balls. It doesn't feel like they have that type of receiver right now."
Advertisement
Being committed doesn't mean that others have backed off of recruiting him.
"Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, South Florida and Texas Tech are calling," said McRoy. "I don't really talk to them."
While others may be looking around, not only is the 5-foot-8, 170-pound four-star athlete solid to Florida, he's counting down the days until he reports to Gainesville.
"I'm ready to get there and be part of the offense," said McRoy. "I'm watching Florida focusing on their offense and trying to see myself out there. I'm ready to go. I'm not taking any visits, I'm graduating early. I'll be there in January."
In between envisioning himself out on the field, McRoy couldn't help but be impressed by the atmosphere and the game last Saturday.
"I didn't like that they lost, but it was a pretty good game," said McRoy. "They played pretty good and the crowd was crazy and loud. I like being out there in front of fans like that."
As for his own season, unlike the Gators his Lakeland team is undefeated this season.
He was limited the first three games of the season with a foot/ankle injury. The Dreadnaughts had a bye in week No. 4 and then he sat out the following game against Plantation - giving him two weeks to heal up.
He returned with a vengeance last weekend. In a 59-34 win over Bayside, McRoy went off scoring four touchdowns - three on the ground on runs of 56, 65 and 10 yards and one on a 65 yard reception.
"I just came back and did pretty good," said McRoy. "I had my foot and ankle sprained, but it's good now."
Despite being limited by the foot/ankle injury, heading into Friday's showdown against Ridge Community High School McRoy had totaled 13 catches for 253-yards (19.5) and 4 touchdowns receiving to go with 19 carries for 233-yards (12.3 avg) and 3 touchdowns on the ground through the first half of the year.
Last year, as a junior, McRoy led the Dreadnaughts with 1,487 all-purpose yards. He carried the ball 38 times for 353-yars (9.3 avg) and 2 touchdowns rushing to go with 786-yards and 8 touchdowns on 39 receptions (20.2 avg).