Spring Tour hits Jacksonville (Part 2): Latest on Jennings, Speed
STOP No. 2: JACKSONVILLE (SANDALWOOD)
Our second spring tour stop of 2016 brings us to another talent-rich program in Jacksonville Sandalwood. The Seminoles struck gold there a few years ago when they landed defensive end DeMarcus Walker, who is entering his senior year, and there could be more prospects following in his footsteps.
In this report, we'll get the latest on FSU targets LB Bradley Jennings Jr. and CB Ameer Speed, along with other names to watch for the 2017 and 2018 class.
Jennings Jr. keeps it in the family with FSU, but 'Canes are pushing
Bradley Jennings Jr. certainly has the pedigree and talent to play for a lot of schools across the country. But it was Florida State, where his father starred in the late 1990s and early 2000s, that really caught his attention early in the recruiting process.
"I just love the program and how they put players in the league, and also how comfortable I feel everytime I'm there," Jennings Jr. said. "And they also have the major I want to do in criminal justice, so I really like that."
Jennings Jr. likes FSU so much that he committed to the Seminoles in late December. Looking back on his commitment, he said FSU had everything he wanted, including the opportunity for early playing time, a quality defensive system and great coaches.
"I feel like I can play very early there," Jennings Jr. said. "I feel I'll bring a lot of physicality to that defense. It's a great situation because of how they use their 'backers at all three linebacker positions. I talk with Coach [Bill] Miller and Coach [Odell] Haggins a lot. With Coach Miller, he's a great coach and very enthusiastic on the field. ...
"I'll probably take another visit there to FSU in the summer, and I'll also visit Miami, Michigan and Louisville. I want to camp at FSU so I can work with Coach Miller. We already have a great relationship, but this will help it further in working with him."
While Jennings Jr. said he feels very comfortable with his commitment to FSU, he explained that he also is receiving a lot of interest from Miami, which is where he and his father hail from.
Click here for the rest of our report from Sandalwood, including what Jennings thinks about the Miami Hurricanes and how his improved size and strength is helping his game. There's also a full update on cornerback Ameer Speed, who recently received an offer from FSU, plus Sandalwood head coach Adam Geis gives us a scouting report on those players and others on his talented roster. COMPLETE REPORT FROM SANDALWOOD