Offensive Lineman Jake Slaughter Signs With the Florida Gators
Getting off to a fast start on early signing day, Trinity Catholic (Ocala, Fla.) offensive lineman Jake Slaughter has signed his national letter of intent with the Florida Gators. He's the first Florida commit to do so this morning.
Following a three month commitment to the Gators in-state rival Florida State Seminoles, Slaughter flipped his commitment to Florida in late July. As a result, the Gators were gifted a much-needed versatile interior offensive lineman to an underwhelming OL haul.
Projected to play at guard or center at Florida, his previous experience at each position gives him a significant leg up on the competition going into camp despite his intentions to not early enroll.
Equipped with college-ready physical attributes—with a 6-foot-5, 310-pound frame—Slaughter plays with extreme physicality, a high motor, and good length to neutralize interior pass rushers at the point of attack, which bodes well for his chances to receive early playing time.
Given his strengths coming as a run blocker, Slaughter could see time sooner rather than later as the Florida offense will undergo multiple offensive line departures and a transition back to a run dominant attack next season.
You can check out the full scouting report on Jake Slaughter here and welcome him to Florida by following him on Twitter here.
Polish: Effective punch. Fires off-ball with good pad level, mostly maintains throughout play. Combo blocks and peels off to second-level defender with good footwork, technique. Shows promising kick slide, but mostly wins with arms as pass protector.
Bottom Line: Slaughter is a solid interior offensive line prospect with natural strength, good length and adequate overall movement skills. Can play guard or center for the Gators based on surrounding personnel. Potential multi-year starter.