Jake Allen Adds 'Dream Offer' from Florida, Still Planning 4 Other Visits

The recruitment of Jake Allen reached a new level Wednesday afternoon, when the 2017 quarterback prospect received what he refers to as a "dream offer" from the Florida Gators:

"I really wanted this and worked hard for it. It's cool to finally have it come to fruition," he told Bleacher Report.

The 6'3", 191-pound passer picked up the scholarship offer after working out in front of the entire Florida staff on campus in Gainesville. Head coach Jim McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier shared the decision with Allen and his father during the visit.

"They told me I 110 percent earned that offer," he said. "I visited Florida twice prior to this and definitely didn't want to leave Gainesville again without it."

Allen, a rising junior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, admitted he sensed the gravity of his situation while initially warming up for the workout. 

"Oh man, I was so nervous" Allen said. "I was thinking, 'Jake, if you don't show up today, you're screwed.' But I did show up, and the coaching staff saw what they needed to see. They made me feel like I was wanted."

His recruitment process was already well underway prior to Thursday's development. Several offers arrived earlier this year, creating a list of options that includes Iowa, Pittsburgh, Wake Forest, Rutgers and Miami, per 247Sports.

This latest opportunity certainly felt the sweetest.

"The biggest reason it's a dream offer for me is because my quarterback coach Eric Kresser—who played for the Gators—has been telling me since middle school that I was going to become the starting quarterback at the University of Florida someday," Allen said. "I've always looked up to Tim Tebow too, so it's surreal to have the same opportunity he had."

Allen credits Kresser, a member of the Florida program from 1992 to 1995, with keeping him motivated through moments of self-doubt. There was a time he considered abandoning his football aspirations altogether.

"It's a crazy story, but I wanted to quit football in the sixth grade. I didn't think I was any good," he said. "There's no way I thought I'd be doing what I'm doing. Coach Kresser was always in my ear trying to build up my confidence."

Now Allen is wholeheartedly devoted to the game he nearly walked away from.

"My mindset is completely different. I can't imagine my life without football," he said. "I believe God put me on Earth to play football, and I plan on staying in the sport as long as I can. After my playing career, I want to coach. I don't know what was going through my mind a few years ago, but something changed, and it's been a special journey ever since."

That journey seems likely to lead him to Florida for college. The phrase "dream school" is often a strong indicator of what's coming next, and recruiting analysts have taken notice, with 100 percent predicting he'll ultimately sign with the Gators in 247Sports' Crystal Ball.

Still, the anticipated result isn't a foregone conclusion just yet.

"I love the University of Florida and feel like I could commit right now, but I feel I owe it to myself to see other schools before making a decision," Allen said.

His busy travel schedule includes trips to Stanford, Michigan and Notre Dame next week. He also aims to visit Alabama in July.

For Allen, it's a matter of due diligence.

"I need to see these universities because I need to be sure about my future," he said. "When I make that commitment, I want to be ready for it and stay loyal."

His latest glimpse at a college comes Thursday, when he attends camp at Florida State and throws for head coach Jimbo Fisher. The Seminoles could be getting a look at a future rival in the process, though Allen expressed sincere interest in soaking in the experience in Tallahassee.

"It's a huge opportunity to see Florida State from a different standpoint, and I'm excited for that," he said. "The quarterback situation at Florida is way, way more open right now, so that's going to tie into things. But I'm going to FSU with an open mind."

Allen remains receptive to new opportunities on the recruiting trail but could envision himself making a final choice before his junior campaign.

"I might be committed after I take these visits, because I think I'm going to know," he said. "The Florida visit couldn't have turned out better, so I'm curious to see how it goes at these other schools. UF is definitely my leader right now."

Allen, who claimed MVP honors last weekend at the inaugural Rivals Quarterback Challenge in Baltimore, believes he's performing more effectively than ever heading into a pivotal summer for his collegiate outlook. 

"I'm a confident kid, and I know I can get the job done," Allen said. "I think I'm one of the top quarterbacks and players in the 2017 class. I feel my film and the things I do at camps will show that. Accuracy helps set me apart from the pack. I can put the ball where I want against defenses."

All quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue.