Overlooked Florida ATH Jay Cummings setting three official visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
TAMPA, Fla. – The switch was turned on this offseason. The determination by Jay Cummings to transform himself into that next level talent has happened. Playing receiver and cornerback for Hillsborough High School (Tampa, Fla.), Cummings (6-1, 170) caught attention from spring ball with the Terriers through the summer months picking up seven offers. As interest continues to rise, the developing talent is lining up three official visits.
Through a 10-game schedule with the Terriers, Cummings produced 167 yards off 13 receptions with one score and racked up 25 tackles along with two picks as a junior.
The summer focus as a wide receiver was shared, “My route running and releases. I have the catching ability and ball skills for sure. I have been working on my footwork too.”
Extra time has been put in developing his game as a defender.
“My technique, press, man, zone – everything,” Cummings stated. “I have really been grinding this offseason because it is my last year. I am trying to show people what I am capable of.”
The two-way mentality is helping Cummings on both sides of the ball.
“Playing corner, it has helped me grasp what corners look for when guarding a receiver,” Cummings said. “On the flip side, when I am at receiver, I know what to look for from corners with their technique. It helps me know how to run my route.”
Asked which role is his favorite, Cummings replied, “I’d probably have to say corner because it is new. I have grasped it faster and it is easier to learn.”
The offers have come in from Bowling Green, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Georgia Southern, Delaware, Middle Tennessee State, UNC Pembroke, and Saint Thomas. Among next level scouts, they see Cummings with the athleticism to play either position.
“Most of the offers are on defense, some are on offense,” Cummings stated. “Middle Tennessee, Georgia Southern, and Delaware want me at corner.”
Unofficial visits were made, and now paid for trips are on Cummings’ mind.
“I went on a couple unofficial visits this summer; I went to USF (South Florida) and UCF,” Cummings shared. “I have a couple of official visits for the season.”
Staying local with the Bulls was a good time for Cummings.
“That went well,” Cummings said. “I went to their spring game. I liked the atmosphere, I liked everything about USF.”
The Knights’ staff got to see Cummings in action this summer.
“That was good,” Cummings stated. “We went there for their 7-on-7 tournament with my team. We had a good time.”
Dates are being set, three official visit locations are locked, “Middle Tennessee, Georgia Southern, and Delaware.”
When Cummings gets back out on the recruiting trail hitting campuses, he knows what he’s looking for each step of the way.
“Family,” Cummings said. “I am big on family, and I am big on the team bond. The coaches are important, the development, and the development of the team; those are my biggest factors.”
Once the paid for trips begins, an announcement may soon follow.
“I will be ready to commit in September or October, somewhere in that area,” Cummings shared.