The Florida Gators have been aiming to secure two tight ends for the 2025 recruiting cycle, maintaining a long list of prospects. One standout target has been Madison (MS) Central’s three-star tight end, Micah Jones. Florida extended an offer to Jones last August, stayed in consistent contact, and hosted him on campus four times since the offer.
Florida’s persistence was rewarded when Jones committed to them over Arkansas, LSU, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss during a ceremony on Friday evening. Following his official visit to Florida on May 31, Jones named them his leader, feeling confident in his decision but taking additional visits for reassurance.
“I needed to make sure Florida was the right choice,” Jones shared with Swamp247. “That official visit solidified it for me. Seeing the campus again made me realize it was where I wanted to be.”
Earlier in the week, Jones informed the Gators’ coaching staff about his commitment. He called tight ends coach Russ Callaway and head coach Billy Napier to share the news, receiving enthusiastic responses.
“Coach Callaway was ecstatic, even sharing the news with his wife. He’s full of energy and very genuine, with an NFL-caliber mind. He believes he can help me reach the next level,” Jones said. “Coach Napier, though more laid back, was also very excited. I could hear it in his voice.”
Callaway and Napier were key figures in Jones’ recruitment, with running backs coach Jabbar Juluke, who has Mississippi connections, also playing a role.
“Coach Callaway was my main contact. I’ve met his family and talked with him the most. His personality and expertise stood out to me. Coach Juluke was one of the first I talked to in Florida, and we have a great relationship. Coach Napier and I speak weekly. I’ve also connected with KD Daniels and Cam Carroll, who are Mississippi guys doing well at Florida.”
Securing a commitment from a Mississippi prospect pursued by in-state programs is challenging, but the Gators succeeded by building strong relationships with Jones and his family.
“Florida’s relationship with my family was crucial. They reassured my family that I would be well taken care of at Florida. Those relationships were a key factor in my decision.”
Jones’s mother, a principal, valued the academic opportunities at Florida, particularly the weight of a Florida degree.
“That appealed to my mom,” Jones said. “She wants me to have a solid backup plan if football doesn’t work out. Florida’s top-ranked public school status was important to her and to me. She stresses the importance of a degree, and a Florida degree holds significant weight.”
At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Jones brings strong blocking and pass-catching skills to the offense, fitting Florida’s need for a versatile tight end.
“They showed me how my high school plays align with their film. Coach Callaway emphasized my ability to block and contribute in the passing game, which fits well with their tight end room,” Jones explained.
