Speedy New Gators Target Calls Florida 'Favorite' School
Florida's newest target in the class of 2024 is worth watching closely.
Multiple Gators coaches communicated new scholarship offer news to 2024 athlete Jonathan Paylor on Monday, which he had been anticipating for quite some time — even before he became a national recruit out of Burlington (N.C.) Cummings.
"What’s so unique about this offer is that it’s very special to me due to it being my favorite school since I was a kid," Paylor told All Gators Monday, recalling the conversation with Florida head coach Billy Napier and linebackers coach Jay Bateman.
"I've never been to Florida and really want to get down there as fast as possible."
The two-way standout athlete, who has several sub-11-second 100-meter dash times on the track to his name, has become a key national recruit over the last year or so. He plays both running back and wide receiver on offense while working in the secondary on defense in addition to kick and punt return duties.
Florida views him as a do-it-all offensive weapon similar to two of the NFL's best.
"They see my play style like a Kadarius Toney and Deebo Samuel, mixed," he said after recent conversations with the staff.
Back in November, Paylor trimmed a list of two dozen scholarship offers down to 10. It's safe to say Florida will crash that party as soon as a trip to Gainesville can be materialized.
"I've been watching [UF] since I was a kid," he said. "When your dream school offers a scholarship, you better answer."
Despite the desire to get to Gainesville and see what Florida has to offer, there is the combination of other schools high on his list and additional programs entering the recruitment this year.
Paylor's timeline will allow for contention from all avenues of programs still interested in the 5-foot-10, 175-pounder's game.
"My timeline looking real good so far, I’m going to take a couple of spring visits to get the feel from some colleges I haven’t been to," he said. "Then I’ll be getting dates for official visits this June."
Programs like Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, South Carolina, North Carolina and others are among those long in contention for Paylor.
As a junior, he put up whopping production numbers on offense, including more than 1,000 yards rushing and 725 receiving in 12 games, combining for 23 touchdowns from scrimmage in the process.
Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook.
Get your Gators football, basketball and other sporting events tickets from SI Tickets here.