Gators stand out for top tight end
Rumors that Austin Seferian-Jenkins has set an announcement date or even has a top five are untrue but the Gig Harbor, Wash., tight end does have a favorite after a lengthy round of unofficial visits.
Florida is standing out the most to Seferian-Jenkins, who visited with the Gators, Miami, Texas, Washington, Oregon, UCLA, Stanford and Southern Cal so far.
Advertisement
"The University of Florida really stood out to me," Seferian-Jenkins said. "I like what they have going on down there. I feel like I can play there. I can play anywhere but I like the fact that I can come in and maybe play early."
The 6-foot-7, 250-pound recruit has had a long-standing relationship with Florida tight ends coach Brian White, who used to coach at Washington, and Seferian-Jenkins said he and coach Urban Meyer are getting close, too.
"It was cool seeing (White) again, I like talking to him, and I'm starting to get a really good relationship with Urban Meyer," Seferian-Jenkins said. "That's always good.
"I just talk to him, he gave me his e-mail and his cell phone and he said e-mail me anytime you want. I talk to him at least four, five times a week and I call him at least once so the relationship I'm building with him is really good."
Florida stands out the most but Seferian-Jenkins, who just picked up an LSU offer, said Washington and California are also under serious consideration. Oklahoma, a previous favorite, was eliminated after the Sooners picked up a tight end commit so they are out of contention now.
"It's just kind of the unknown with Cal," Seferian-Jenkins said. "I know they had a good recruiting class, that's part of it. Plus my relationship with Tosh Lupoi is really good and I haven't visited there. It's kind of the uncertain one. I want to make sure I go there before I make my decision.
"Washington is in the running because it's hometown. I like coach (Steve Sarkisian) a lot. I like the players that go there and I have a good relationship with Jermaine Kearse, he's one of my friends so it's cool."
Despite recent reports, Seferian-Jenkins said his recruitment will continue and he has not set any decision date. He also reiterated that he doesn't have a firm top five and said he's not sure how those rumors got started.
"A lot of people have been saying that but I don't have a top five or announcement date," he said.