Florida football recruiting: Could family ties get the Gators the No. 1 2025 RB?

Florida football recruiting is putting together one of the best 2024 recruiting classes in the country, which could set them up for success in future classes as well.

As they begin to look over the 2025 class and scout some talent that they want to pursue, one guy that stands out, and for good reason, is the best running back in that cycle.

Harlem Berry, the best RB and No. 22 overall player in the class is a guy that the Gators recently offered and will be on the hunt for.

Florida may have a leg up in his recruitment as well, with a family member of Berry’s coaching his position.

Florida football recruiting: Family ties an advantage for the Gators

Jabbar Juluke, the Gators’ running backs coach, has already done a great job coaching the position. Florida had a lethal running game last season with Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson Jr., and figure to be great on the ground again this year.

But off the field, Juluke has a chance to make another huge impact on the program.

Jabbar is Harlem Berry’s uncle. Harlem told On3, “[Jabbar] is my uncle. I’ve been around him since I was little”

That’s a pretty major tie to the program to have your uncle coaching your position. It’s nothing lowkey like a family friend who’s a team manager.

So, could Jabbar’s relation to Harlem help Florida secure his services?

Berry is from Louisiana, so LSU is the current favorite in his recruitment per On3, with a big 98% chance to land him. But it’s too early in his recruitment to really separate certain schools.

Harlem has made two visits to Gainesville already, one last summer and one just a few weeks ago.

Billy Napier and Jabbar Juluke will need to get him on campus multiple times if they want to be a player in his recruitment. Just about every school will be after him.

Hopefully, his family ties to the Gators give UF a boost, and Florida is able to make a run at the elite back.