LAKE BUENA VISTA — For four UF oral commitments, this week has been a preview of what’s in store during the next four years.
Quarterback Jeff Driskel, tight end A.C. Leonard, defensive back De’Ante Saunders and wide receiver Ja’Juan Story were all selected as Under Armour All-Americans this season and have spent the first days of the new year in preparation for tonight’s game, which takes place at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg at 7.
The four have been using the time together at the Walt Disney World resort to get to know each other off the field and build chemistry on it.
“We’re building a great bond,” said Leonard, a tight end from Jacksonville University Christian High who is rated by Rivals.com as a four-star prospect. “We’ve been hanging out almost all night every day, and we’ve been texting for a while now.”
Leonard is sharing a room with Driskel — the nation’s top-rated passer — for the week and said it has been a good experience to catch passes from the quarterback, since they plan on doing it for the next few years.
Driskel feels the same way about Leonard and Story, a four-star receiver from Brooksville Nature Coast High, as all three are on the Click-Clack (red) roster.
“I’m not saying I’m favoring them, but I’m giving them a good look,” Driskel said.
The four-star quarterback said the trio has already built some chemistry on the field after just a few days of practicing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.
And even though it’s their first chance to play together, Driskel likes what he has seen so far from his two receiving targets at practice.
“I just throw it up to Ja’Juan and he’s going to go get it,” Driskel said. “A.C. is a freak out there. He can power his way open, and he can make someone miss and he’ll go up and grab it. I trust both of them a lot.”
Saunders, the lone UF commit on the defensive side of the ball who is an Under-Armour All-American, is still using the time off the field to get to know his future teammates, despite being on the Micro G (white) team.
Driskel said during their week at Disney, the players have had a chance to check out some of the theme parks on site, including a trip to MGM Studios, where they went on the Tower of Terror ride.
According to Driskel, some of the athletes backed out of going on the ride at the last second, but none of the UF commits.
“Florida Gators ain’t scared,” he said.
Driskel, along with Saunders and Leonard are all set to enroll early at UF once this week’s All-American festivities are over. Leonard said all three will be roommates this semester.
Oral commitments are non-binding until a national letter of intent is signed on or after National Signing Day on Feb. 2.
