2025 TE Micah Jones commits to Florida: ‘The program’s going up’

Madison (Miss.) Madison Central three-star tight end Micah Jones took his official visit to Florida from May 31-June 2. It marked his fourth trip to see the Gators. 

Jones had a strong idea he would end up committing to Florida in early May, as he built a great relationship with the Gators’ coaches and felt like one of the SEC program’s top targets. Yet that official ended up being “the cherry on top” in Jones’ decision and the 6-foot-4, 250-pound recruit eventually announced his pledge to head coach Billy Napier and his staff on Friday. 

“I think the program’s going up,” Jones told On3. “They had a couple of guys that were Freshman All-Americans. As those guys get older, they are going to get better and recruits are going to see that. I feel like Florida is coming up and in the next three-to-four years, Florida can be a contender for an SEC championship.”  

Florida’s culture quickly stood out to Jones

Jones, who chose Florida over LSU and Ole Miss, grew close with Napier and co-offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Russ Callaway throughout his recruitment. Callaway came to visit Jones earlier this year on the first day that coaches were permitted to see high school prospects, which was significant to the No. 11 player in Mississippi. 

That moment made Jones realize he was a priority to the Gators and that the program could be the right fit for him. The feeling on Florida’s campus and the opportunities in the Gators’ offense were two key things that helped Florida stand out to Jones and now, he is headed to Gainesville for his college football career.   

“The culture is amazing,” said Jones, On3’s No. 27 tight end in the 2025 cycle. “It’s in a college town, so everybody in the community is supporting the Gators. It’s an up-and-coming school. I see a lot of young guys who are talented. By the time I get there, I think Florida’s going to be a really good team because they are up-and-coming in the SEC.” 

Napier and Callaway played key roles in Jones’ commitment

One of the reasons why Jones is excited to play for the Gators is the chance to go up against top competition in the SEC. He is also looking forward to learning from Napier and Callaway. 

The three-star likes how Napier helps his players grow both on and off the field. He also appreciated how Florida’s head man approached his recruitment. 

“Coach Napier is a really laid-back guy and he is very family-oriented,” Jones said. “He keeps it real. He obviously wanted me to go to Florida, but he didn’t try to bash other schools. Coach Napier kept it real with me.” 

Callaway, who was “super excited” when Jones committed to the Gators, played a key role in him choosing Florida as well. Something that stood out to Jones about Callaway was that he previously coached in the NFL and as a result, “knows what it takes” to make it to the league.

“He’s my guy,” Jones said. “I’ve met his family. Coach Callaway’s met mine. He’s a great guy, has high-energy and is very intelligent. He’s really funny. I like that he’s real. I went on a visit to watch a spring practice and he acts the same way all of the time. Also, he has an NFL mind. He’s the co-offensive coordinator along with tight ends coach, so he’s obviously seeing how the tight ends get the ball and can help with that.”