One of the biggest out of state visitors competing at Friday Night Lights last week in Columbus was Cocoa (Fla.) 2015 defensive back Jamel Dean. A 6-foot-1, 180 pound cornerback that holds offers from Ohio State, Florida, Miami and others, Dean decided to travel north to check out the Buckeyes instead of attending Florida's own version of FNL.
"I wanted to see how the campus was and I like to travel," Dean said of his decision to visit Columbus rather than Gainesville. "I was amazed how big (campus) was and I took the trip to see if I would like it up there. I did."
While most of the stars from the Florida high school ranks continue their careers in Florida or somewhere in the southern part of the United States, Dean is not beholden to that concept. In fact he says he'd much rather leave the state of Florida.
"I'm most likely leaving Florida. They play NFL football in Ohio, New England and Wisconsin," he said of his future plans. "I know most people want to say in Florida because of the weather, but I like doing new things so I don't mind leaving Florida."
Of course that doesn't mean the Florida schools are backing off. On the contrary, two schools that stand out to Dean are in-state, but he has others that he'd like to hear from soon.
"Miami and Florida are near the top of my list," he said. "I hope to hear from LSU and Georgia, too."
So what school is at the top the list for Dean following his visit to Columbus? He's pretty clear about that, too.
"Ohio State is number one on the list now," he said when asked if his visit to Columbus opened his eyes to what being a Buckeye is about. "I like it up there. I like the environment around campus and the coaching staff. They make sure their players will perform at their full potential every single rep, helping them get better for the team's sake. I like their coaching style too, they are intense. I'm talking to my coach about maybe making a visit up there for the Wisconsin or Penn State game. After watching their games, I know the fans are wild (laughs.). I would like to experience that."
As the saying goes, being number one on the list means the Buckeyes become the primary target for every school to recruit against, and it appears they'll have to fend off the competition for a while. Dean is in no hurry to make a decision.
"I think I'll be waiting a while until I decide," he said. "There's no reason to hurry."
Wow, that's awesome. Love it when Florida guys have OSU at the top of the list. Urbz doing work!
I know there's a game saturday, and my ass will be there.
A Floridean that doesn't neccessarily want to stay in Florida?? How refreshing!! Have to keep our eye on this young man!!
SCOTTC.
Jamel Dean was definitely one of the top guys at FNL. It's still early but I'm really liking some of our CB targets: David Dowell, Ashton White, Jordan Whitehead, Tyree Kinnel, and Jamel Dean. Will be interesting to see who gets offered.
I like his size too. Matter of fact, I'm liking all of the bigger/taller corners we've been bringing in recently.
Welcome young sir!!
"I've had smarter people around me all my life, but I haven't run into one yet that can outwork me. And if they can't outwork you, then smarts aren't going to do them much good. That's just way it is." - Woody Hayes
Great bump!
My favorite part about this is watching our own Birm bust out the announcement on Twitter and watching all of the pay sites scramble to get a story out.
11W rules.
Awesome news!! Always good when we can snag a great recruit from the state of Florida!! Ashton White and Jordan Whitehead would be sick too. Wonder how many DBs we take in 2015??
SCOTTC.
Osu after Crawford too!
Highlights:
6'1" 4.42 running DB? Yes please!