Story a Gator http://hometeam.tampabay.com/recruiting/2010/jun/28/nature-coast-wr-jajuan-story-orally-commits-florid/ Nature Coast WR Ja'Juan Story orally commits to Florida (UPDATE: 4:05 p.m.) Posted on Monday, June 28, 2010 at 3:35 p.m. Nature Coast receiver Ja'Juan Story was "amazed" by the University of Florida and what it has to offer. After his visit last week to the Gainesville campus, he decided to orally commit, doing so Monday afternoon. In a conversation with Florida assistant Dan McCarney, Story said, "Florida is a school that can help me reach my dream." McCarney then welcomed him to the Gator family. Story, ranked No. 3 on the Times' Fab 50 prospects list for 2011, had 28 scholarship offers, including ones from schools such as Ohio State, Notre Dame, Miami and Florida State. "I feel like I've seen everything I've needed to see," Story said. "It was amazing. I got along good with all the coaches. When I talked to the academic man I liked what they had in store for me. I don't even see why I should go somewhere else." Story had cut his list of suitors in half June 15 hoping to zero in on his top choice by summer's end. He originally had planned to visit some schools because to this point he has had little exposure to most campuses. Story and his uncle, Rudy Story, visited Florida last week and both left with a feeling the Gainesville campus had everything a national contender could offer. "I think it was a first-class facility from strength and conditioning to the academic program," Rudy Story said. "The whole prgram is second to none. They have things in there I've never seen as far as training. Along with the academic support they have in place it's basically idiot proof. You could graduate in three-and-a-half years if you follow their program. You will walk out with a degree from one of the finest schools in the country and you'll have a chance to be drafted in the NFL." Of course, it doesn't hurt that Florida happens to be the closest perennial power to Story's hometown. That should make it an easy drive for friends and family to see the Sharks' star athlete play Saturdays in the Swamp. "I told them I've been thinking about it and Florida is a school that can help me with what I want to do in life," Story said. "I want to earn my master's degree. That's a good school for me to go to. They have a nice campus. I won't get bored with it. I plan on going there for four years." This fall, Story (6-4, 185 pounds) will begin the season at quarterback. Sharks coach Mark Nash recently moved Story from receiver after Nature Coast's spring evaluation period. Nash made the move to get his playmaker more touches. And without a proven quarterback to get Story the ball outside, this proved to be the best option. Story primarily played receiver and defensive back in 2009, also sharing time at quarterback. He had 13 receptions for 423 yards (32.5 yards per catch) and three touchdowns. At quarterback, he had 27 carries for 265 yards and two touchdowns (just two starts as a quarterback). Defensively he had 22 tackles and one sack. ESPNU rates Story a four-star recruit (out of five stars) and No. 41 overall in the nation. Recruiting Web sites Rivals.com and Scout.com both have Story as a three-star recruit. Story is the bay area's second 2011 Florida commitment joining Tampa Catholic fullback Hunter Joyer, who played two years for Wesley Chapel. And Story would like to see at least one more bay area recruit land with the Gators. Story is close friends with Pasco LB/DB Jamie Byrd, and the two speak constantly about the recruiting process. Florida has visited Pasco's campus and looked at Byrd. Story said McCarney expressed interest in Byrd. "He asked about that Byrd kid," Story said. "He said, 'Were pretty interested in him.' That'll be awesome (if Byrd gets an offer to Florida). We're always talking about going to the same school."