For someone growing up just 50 miles from the University of Alabama, it would seem like a foregone conclusion that becoming a fan of the Crimson Tide was an inevitability.
But that’s anything but the case for inside linebacker Jammal Abrams, who verbally committed to UF’s 2019 class Saturday while participating in Florida’s Junior Day.
Abrams, a 6-foot-3, 225-pounder, said he had a “great” Junior Day at a university that he’s been a fan of his entire life. He arrived with two players who also play for Birmingham’s Jackson-Olin High, and he said the experience was everything he had hoped it would be.
110% committed to the UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 🐊🐊🐊💯🗣 @crob45 @ChadSimmons_ @coachsunseri @GatorsFB pic.twitter.com/1opqAoVFYj
— Jammal. A🏈🐎 (@headhHunterr) February 24, 2018
“It’s something I’ve always dreamed about,” Abrams said. “I’ve wanted to go to this school since I was young.”
And being recruited by Sal Sunseri – someone with an NFL pedigree and success at the collegiate level developing talent – played a big factor in Abrams’ decision to commit.
“As soon as I walked through the door, Coach Sal was so surprised,” Abrams said. “When he watched the film, it was all athletic, everything that he wanted.”
My my my 😍 @GatorsFB @crob45 @coachsunseri @CoachDanMullen pic.twitter.com/ddaBS4uLKg
— Jammal. A🏈🐎 (@headhHunterr) February 25, 2018
Getting a chance to talk to coach Dan Mullen as well left an impression on Abrams.
“The main thing that he said, he said you always have to be a champion on and off the field,” Abrams said. “No matter what happens, you’ve got to be a champion.”
Currently, Abrams’ recruitment is only just beginning. He’s visiting Tennessee and coach Jeremy Pruitt next weekend, but he does plan to get back to UF twice over the next couple of months.
“I’m coming down for the Spring game,” Abrams said, “and I’m coming down for spring break.”
