4-Star Ohio State Commit Bruce Judson Feels 'New Energy' at UF, Explores Options

Versatile Florida playmaker Bruce Judson emerged as a widely coveted college football prospect as an underclassman, collecting more than a dozen scholarship offers by the end of his sophomore year.

The Cocoa High School standout seemingly ended his recruitment in January, announcing intentions to play at Ohio State. While he remains a proud member of the Buckeyes' top-ranked 2017 class, Judson hasn't cut off communication with other programs.

In fact, he's hearing from alternative coaching staffs more than ever through the early stages of his junior season. Judson is certainly receptive to the expansive attention, reciprocating interest in many cases.

"I'll never have another chance to go through this recruiting process, so why not explore all my options? It's a blessing to have all these opportunities," he told Bleacher Report.

Judson, who lists himself at approximately 5'10", 195 pounds, spent an early Saturday of this season in Gainesville. He enjoyed an up-close look as Florida claimed a victory under new head coach Jim McElwain.

Though Judson was initially recruited by the previous Gators regime, things have intensified with a new staff.

"There's definitely a new energy at Florida," he said. "With Coach McElwain, everything is juiced up, pumped up all the time. There's just a lot of energy every day, every practice and every game."

Judson, rated 16th nationally among athletes in 2017 composite rankings, believes that attitude resonates throughout the program.

"Even the older coaches act like they're still in their prime. Guys who are like 60 years old act like they're in their 20s. You can feel their excitement," he said. 

This program transformation has piqued his interest, setting the stage for Florida to make progress with the prized in-state star.

"They've got my attention. They think I can be the next big thing to come through there, like a Percy Harvin," Judson said. "Florida sees me as someone who can make big plays on offense and special teams. Coach McElwain also had a talk with me about playing both ways, which is fine with me."

His dynamic skill set continues to turn heads across the country. Judson mentions Auburn, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia and Kentucky as other teams increasing their recruiting efforts. 

Though he predominately plays quarterback at Cocoa, Judson projects as a multi-dimensional weapon in college. Ohio State envisions him as a wide receiver or H-back, though he said the door is also open to potentially take snaps at defensive back.

"The position doesn't really matter to me. Wherever I can get on the field is where I'm going to work hard at," Judson said. "Because of my experience at quarterback, I'll be better prepared to understand alignments and coverages at the next level."

He rushed for three first-half touchdowns in Cocoa's season-opening win over Palm Bay High School, highlighted by a 58-yard scoring sprint. Judson burst onto the national scene as a freshman in 2013, tallying 2,249 total yards as a passer and rusher, per MaxPreps.

While focused on chasing a state championship this fall, he also aims to attend multiple college matchups. Judson expressed plans to visit Miami for a game and hopes to be in the bleachers Nov. 7 when Alabama welcomes rival LSU to Tuscaloosa.

Auburn is another SEC squad that could be in line for a campus visit. Tigers freshman Jamel Dean is Judson's friend and former high school teammate.

Judson explained he notifies Ohio State anytime trips are planned elsewhere. His relationship with the Buckeyes is strong, and keeping coaches in the loop helps maintain mutual trust.

"I make sure they are updated about everything. I've told them I still want to check out other schools but I really do love Ohio State," Judson said. "The staff is great. Coach [Urban] Meyer is very straight-forward with you. It feels like home up there."

He anticipates a return trip to Columbus this season, targeting games against Michigan State and Penn State. 

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.