Big-time Florida OL likes the Gators, 'Noles and 'Canes

CELEBRATION, Fla. — Jalen Rivers is a 2020 offensive tackle out of Orange Park (Fla.) Oakleaf with an impressive offer list. Florida was the first school to offer the 6-foot-5, 325 pound sophomore. That took place after his freshman football season in 2016.

Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan and Tennessee are just some of the others who have offered Rivers.

Schools like Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State (no offer) are on his radar, but the big three in his home state really stand out.

"I like Florida State, Florida and Miami," said Rivers. "I want to be close to family, but I would not mind broadening my horizon too and experiencing new stuff. I do like how those are not too far from family though."

Family is very important to Rivers, but so is his academics. He currently carries a 4.3 GPA and academics will play a very big role in his decision. Rivers sees that in the Gators, Seminoles and Hurricanes.

"I like the academics at Florida, Florida State and Miami, so it is all the same there for me.

"At Florida, it was the first school to offer and I like the overall program. I have talked to Dan Mullen too since he took over and he seems like a good guy.

"I have been going to Florida State four times, so I have seen a lot there. I am very familiar with the program and outside of academics, I like coach [Odell] Haggins a lot.

"Miami is all about brotherhood and trusting one another. I like that. I want to be part of a big family, so I see that at Miami."

The school he watched the most growing up was Miami, the Hurricanes are his step-father's favorite school. Rivers does not have that true No. 1 just yet.

"I am going to take the recruiting process slow," said Rivers. "I am still thinking if I want to commit next summer before my senior year or if I want until after my senior season.

"I just know I am going to get out and visit a lot of schools and take things slow."