Two Florida Gators star recruits already making impact

Two of Florida’s blue-chip signees are already living up to their five-star billings early in training camp.

Gators offensive tackle Martez Ivey and defensive end CeCe Jefferson have quickly impressed teammates and coaches with their work ethic, maturity and raw talent.

“Martez Ivey is a freak,” junior tailback Kelvin Taylor said. “He’s going to be great. He wasn’t a five-star for nothing, trust me. He’s physical. He’s smart. He knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s a load. He’s going to be really good.”

Ivey, the nation’s No.2 overall prospect according to 247Sports, is 6-5, 300 pounds and is competing for snaps at both tackle positions.

Jefferson, a fellow five-star freshman, has also awed teammates with his athleticism and relentless motor.

“He’s showing grit,” junior safety Keanu Neal said. “He’s showing work. He’s showing that he can make plays.”

Jefferson sat out most of his senior season at Baker County High with a shoulder injury, but the 6-1, 280-pound pass rusher is healthy now and already wreaking havoc in camp.

“He’s one of the young guys doing a heck of a job,” UF coach Jim McElwain said.

“He shows up. … I’m sure glad that he’s here. He’s a guy that can make an impact.

“He’s a guy that’s eager to learn, jumped right in at everything we’re doing. That just speaks volumes of the type of kid he is, too.”

JESSE SIMONTON

This story was originally published August 12, 2015 at 11:19 PM with the headline "Two Florida Gators star recruits already making impact."