5-Star OL Daniels Reflects on 'Amazing' Florida Visit, What's Next
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. -- As top talent in the Sunshine State gathered for the Under Armour Next camp in the Orlando area, Jonathan Daniels brought a palpable buzz.
Newly crowned the No. 1 offensive tackle recruit and a top 10 overall prospect by On3, many were audibly excited to get a first look at the rising-senior recruit (video above). The length and athleticism of the 6-foot-3, 280-pounder was apparent early and often.
The Pensacola (Fla.) Pine Forest prospect made the trek to West Orange High School for the event just after an unofficial visit to Florida on Saturday.
From Billy Napier on down, the staff impressed to the point Daniels is already talking about another Gainesville visit in April.
"It was good, we had a photoshoot, we had one-on-one time with the coaches and saw practice," he said. "I just want to get back to see more practice, how they work and they're development.
"But I had an amazing time. I got the tour, I saw some Gators, the academics room and everything. It was a vibe."
Jonathan Daniels at Under Armour Next Orlando (AllGators photo)
Daniels spent intimate time with Napier as well as Rob Sale and Darnell Stapleton while in town. The assistant coach duo each expressed the priority level the five-star recruit possesses on the UF board.
"We were talking about what would happen if I come there," he said. "Development, how they see me and how I would factor into the team. Like I'm a number one priority.
"For them to have two O-line coaches, it's like you're not going to miss a rep. You can work in more time if you need it. You'll have the time to prepare yourself."
With Napier, who Daniels says is among the head coaches he connects with most, the in-stater views the trip as a strong step in their relationship.
"Everything was good, the connection was there," he said. "We just have to do more communication with him. But I love to see him, I love him and how he talks to me.
"He values me a lot."
As Daniels plans other trips, with Florida State and Miami seemingly most likely to host him next, a return to Florida is all but set for early April. The goal on that trip is more on-field in principle.
"Practice, that's all I need to see," he said. "We had the one-on-one time in the meeting room and one-on-one time with the coaches. I just didn't have time to watch the whole practice like I wanted to."
While Daniels's stock is sky high in the eyes of recruiting outlets, there appears to be plenty of time in between his rise and a verbal commitment. There is no clear timeline beyond the unofficial spring visits as the junior looks to compare options to one another.
Daniels, who also works on the defensive line in high school, says the biggest factor in an eventual decision will be the connection between coaches and his family. He is also weighing how coaches are "owning up to what they say" throughout the process.
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