New Gators EDGE Target Jamonta Waller Sets First Florida Visit
CARROLLTON, Ga. -- The Florida Gators jumped into the offer race for pass-rusher Jamonta Waller 10 days ago, and now the first trip to Gainesville is set for next month.
The Picayune (Miss.) Memorial class of 2024 recruit, already with more than 20 scholarship offers to his name, has a longstanding connection with the newest member of the UF coaching staff, too.
"Coach (Austin) Armstrong, he was at Alabama, and he's at Florida now," Waller told All Gators' Zach Goodall Sunday at the Under Armour All-America camp outside of Atlanta. "He was recruiting me when he was at Southern Miss, so we have been locked in for a little minute now."
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound prospect has begun touching base with multiple Billy Napier assistant coaches in preparation for a Florida visit on March 11.
"It's great, I talk to all the defensive coaches," Waller said. "Coach (Mike) Peterson is a great coach, he's a cool dude and we've got the same personality. I can't wait to meet him."
Growing in in SEC country, with plenty of programs in the league already after his verbal commitment, the junior has long kept an eye on Florida's progress under Napier. He sees the program headed in the right direction.
"They're on the rise, it's a great school and it's SEC -- so that's great to know," Waller said, before confirming the UF staff's projection of him at outside linebacker.
As he showed against strong competition on Sunday, Waller has modern tools off the edge.
"My get-off is the main thing," he said. "If I can get off the ball faster than the O-lineman, he's already beat. And then my effort, I think that's something I can fixate on."
Waller noted his recruitment is in the early stages, but upcoming spring visits will be a critical step to take for the early graduate. A handful of SEC programs are pushing for him and will expect him on campus in March, in addition to Florida.
At this time, Waller expects to be well-traveled before making an in-season collegiate decision.
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