The Florida Gators recruiting class hosted seven official visitors this weekend for official visits.

One of the biggest visitors on campus this weekend was linebacker Levi Jones (6-3, 215, Austin, TX. Westlake) who was joined by his family on the visit to Florida.

Jones’ father Robert discussed the visit with Gator Country and he recaps how the trip went overall.

“We really enjoyed the visit, I thought it was great,” Robert Jones said. “We didn’t come in with a lot of expectations but we was surprised about some of things we learned. We think they have a great business school, which it what Levi is very interested in. The opportunities that the school can do for its student-athletes after they graduate are great. Every kid wants to go play in the NFL but the NFL isn’t promised so it’s about what the school can offer. I was surprised that Florida was able to do so much.

“We were able to talk to a few people that have played here, we know Joe Haden and his family. They’ve been here so they understand the Florida Gators and what they can offer. We really enjoyed the visit and it was a lot more than we expected.”

Gators head coach Jim McElwain has long preached about Florida taking care of its players after college and he expressed that this weekend.

“Coach Mac did give us the message of Gators take Gators but it really wasn’t something that was stressed over and over again,” he said. “Every university can preach that but some stuff is better demonstrated than said. The greatest thing for me is that we’re able to reach out to former guys and ask them what’s like to be a Gator or a specific player at another university.”

Jones’ father played for Gators defensive coordinator Randy Shannon with the Miami Dolphins so the two already know each other well.

“I’ve always believed in Coach Shannon, he’s excellent teacher,” Jones said. “He’s played the game and he’s coached in the pros and at the college level, he brings a lot experience to the game. I knew that before we got there.”

Saturday was the first time for Shannon to really sit down and talk ball with Jones and the meeting really helped build the relationship with star linebacker.

“A little bit of chalk with Coach Shannon and he was able to show how he teaches his players,” he said of the meeting with Randy Shannon. “Levi was fascinated with that and I think they both connected. I do feel that he really connected with Randy and that could be a good thing.”

Shannon has been telling Jones that he was needed in Gainesville and this weekend he shared why that was the case.

“One of the things that Coach Shannon stressed to Levi about why they need him so bad is because he’s able to play more than one position,” Jones said of Shannon’s message. “That’s kind of hard to find because Levi brings a lot to the game with his rushing ability and his pass coverage skills. Coach Shannon let Levi know that he will have to fight and compete for playing time and obviously if he shows up and competes then he will compete for a job.”

This weekend was also the first time for Jones and his family to meet McElwain and the family walked away impressed by the Gators head coach.

“These are all recruiting trips so I don’t know one coach that will demonstrate how he is on the sidelines but I thought Coach Mac and his staff was very professional,” he said of their first meeting with Coach McElwain. “Coach Mac was impressive with his knowledge of the game and just overall a very nice man. He’s a great person and he cares about his players and wants the best out of his players.”

Heading into this weekend Florida was thought to have a good chance with Jones and his father says the visit did nothing but help the Gators.

“I think with Levi coming here this weekend it made the decision a little harder,” Jones said. “Levi was very impressed by what Florida had to offer. Levi is very focused on who he’s going to be playing with and that can make it a part of his decision. He’s interested in who he will live with the next four years and who he’s going to be playing with.”

Earlier this month Jones said that his father favored Florida State a little bit but his father now says that the Gators impressed him.

“There were things here in Gator land that I really enjoyed,” Jones said. “I would be happy if Levi was to make that decision to come there.”

The Gators now have to sit back and wait as Jones and his family have a busy next two weeks ahead of them.

“We’re going to UCLA for a midweek and then USC next weekend,” Jones said. “After that we’re going on a midweek to Texas A&M and then Florida State the next weekend.”

INSIDERS TAKE: Jones and his family had a great trip and several people who were around Levi this weekend said that he was enjoying the visit. The Gators have put themselves in a good position but four more visits coming up means that the in-home visits will be huge for Florida.