Florida’s Gainsville — Jadan Baugh, a promising running back, is now a Gator.
On Early National Signing Day, the former Arkansas pledge signed his National Letter of Intent to play for the University of Florida, capping a rivalry that ultimately came down to the Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide.
Since May, the extremely productive Columbia High School back has pledged allegiance to the Razorbacks.
But after a senior year in which he combined for 1,583 yards and 19 touchdowns on 113 carries with 28 receptions for 531 yards and six touchdowns, he started to attract attention from a number of other elite colleges.
Despite the spike in his recruiting, he stayed connected to Sam Pittman and Co. and remained open to other potential suitors. He toyed with both Alabama and Florida down the stretch, and eventually the two aligned.
Baugh cemented his recruitment as a two-team contest between the Nick Saban-led Crimson Tide and the Billy Napier-led Gators on Monday by formally withdrawing from Arkansas.
In December, he paid them both an official visit and became close friends with Robert Gillespie and Jabbar Juluke, respectively, while he considered his choices before signing on Wednesday. His first trip was Dec. 8–10 to Gainesville, where he clearly showed the Gators that he was interested.
I’ve come to realise that Florida is my home. After her formal stay on December 10, Baugh told All Gators, “I’m very wanted here.” “I was told to go wherever I pleased all my life. I really enjoy Florida.”
Although Baugh spent the next few days in Tuscaloosa, Dec. 15–17, he remained positive about Florida’s programme in the midst of its reconstruction. After spending time with the running back assistant throughout his multi-day trip, he talked highly of Juluke, and ultimately, his relationship with the player helped UF recruit the 6-foot-2, 215-pound running back backnto the class.
