Gators after 2016 Fla. WR
As class of 2016 wide receiver Jacob Mathis of Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep enters his junior season, Florida is his biggest offer and might be the one that stands out the most at this point. He's already been to Gainesville twice and likes what he sees.
"It's a great school, with a great staff," said the 6-foot-5, 215-pound Mathis, who participated in a Gators camp and made an unofficial visit. "I liked the (players), and coach (Derek Lewis) is who I talk to the most. He's real passionate.
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"They also have great academics. I talked to their academic counselor and, basically, he said, 'if you want to succeed here, you will.' They give the kids a lot of academic support there, and that's good."
Another Florida school, UCF has also offered and is one of six schools to do so. He'll make his first visit to UCF next week.
"I've heard they have great facilities," Mathis said. "I can't wait to check it out."
Mathis will also visit North Carolina next week in hopes of getting an offer, and will visit Ole Miss - the Rebels have already offered - by the end of the summer.
While he's hoping UNC joins the mix, there are other schools already talking with him and that dialog could lead to more offers. Mathis said he was given a card of a coach from Stanford and plans to call them soon, and he's been in weekly talks with Tennessee.
"They've been telling me about the school, the fan base and their stadium, trying to get me up there," Mathis said. "They're checking up on me about once a week - just normal conversation.
"I would hope I get an offer. I'd hope it's not for nothing."